In 1859 the Volunteer Force was created as a result of rising tensions on the European continent. An appeal was made to citizens to form Artillery Corps and Companies in maritime towns. This appeal resulted with a public meeting, and it was held in South Shields Town Hall on the 28th November 1859. As a result on the 23rd December 1859 Durham Artillery Volunteers was to be formed with the formation of the 3rd Durham Volunteer Artillery in South Shields in March 1860. Over the next years further batteries were raised on both sides of the Tyne.
1st Northumberland Artillery Volunteers Tynemouth 18 Aug 1859
2nd Northumberland Artillery Volunteers Tynemouth 12 Jan 1860 1st Berwick-upon-Tweed Artillery Volunteers Berwick 27 Feb 1860 1st Durham Artillery Volunteers Durham City (HQ to Sunderland Dec1860) 14 Mar 1860 2nd Durham Artillery Volunteers Seaham 14 Mar 1860 3rd Durham Artillery Volunteers South Shields 14 Mar 1860 4th Durham Artillery Volunteers Hartlepool 14 Mar 1860 3rd Northumberland Artillery Volunteers Alnwick 22 Mar1860 1st Newcastle upon Tyne Artillery Volunteers Newcastle 02 Jun 1860 1974 the honour title 3rd Durham Volunteer Artillery was Awarded to 205 (3DVA) Battery RA |
Voluntary service in the armed forces of this realm has been a feature of soldiering for many Centuries and there is evidence to suggest that men, imbued with a high sense of patriotism, served in or with bands formed of persons compulsorily recruited , as members of the general or feudal levies. The evolution of a Volunteer Force can thus be traced step by step through every national emergency. When trouble loomed, noblemen, gentlemen and burgesses of corporate towns raised regiments of volunteers to succour the Crown in its hour of danger, and when tranquillity returned the volunteers, doffing and accoutrements of war, resumed their roles as private citizens. The London Trained Bands are a case in point.
In 1537, Henry VIII granted two charters. The first to the Fraternity of Artillerymen or Gunners in the Tower, a body of fee’d gunners which eventually developed into the Royal Regiment of Artillery; and to the second to the Fraternity of the Guild of St. George, a charter more germane to our subject. The Guild of St. George under its present name of the Honourable Artillery Company is the oldest volunteer unit in the British Isles and may be cited as an example which, surviving the legislation which introduced the Territorial Force, graduated into the ranks of the Territorial Army. The volunteers of long ago were formed into both mounted and dismounted units. The former were popular amongst the squires and farmers who having an aptitude for the saddle saw that they gratified it. Volunteer troops of horse were in evidence just after Charles II regained his throne and copies of commissions appointing officers to “A Volunteer Troop of Horse raised or to be raised for Our Service” dated “Whitehall 6th day of June 1685” are still preserved and illustrate the continuance of the voluntary idea into the reign of James II. This spirit of service probably continued into the 18th century for under the Militia Act of 1757, as amended in 1758, parishes were allowed to include in stipulated quotas of balloted men those who had volunteered for service. This arose from the fact that the framers of the earlier Volunteer Acts formed the Volunteer and Militia Forces on one establishment, thus allowing volunteers to join the Militia and serve as extra companies under their own volunteer officers. Parliamentary assent for the maintenance of a volunteer force was always required, but unlike other statutory troop no limitation was placed on its strength. Parliament had always been suspicious of the regular soldier but trusted civilians who were prepared to rush to arms to defend their country. The Volunteer Reserve Forces of the Crown have always been under the command of the Lord Lieutenant of each county who is responsible for their efficiency and discipline, both by constitutional usage and statutory authority. By 1794, corps of volunteers had come into being and these were exempted from service in the Militia. When Napoleon bestrode Europe, the term “volunteer” became very popular and a number of regular regiments raised at this time were described as “volunteers”, e.g., The South Lancashire Regiment (The Prince of Wale’s Volunteers). The foundation of the modern volunteer system was laid in 1802 with the passing of the Act 42 Geo III c. 66. Prior to that Act, Yeomanry and Volunteers had been established under the authority of statutes which expired with the peace of Amiens, 27th March, 1802. In anticipation of the renewal of the war with France it again became necessary to have recourse to the services of volunteers and further, to encourage them to serve under this Act they were exempted from service in the Militia. Accordingly, this Act enabled the Crown to accept the services of the corps already formed and of others thereafter to be formed, without any limitation as to numbers or continuance being imposed by Parliament. With Bonaparte casting envious eyes at “this precious stone set in a silver sea” there was a great resurgence of patriotic feeling and over half a million volunteers enrolled. In 1810, the enlistment of volunteers into the Militia in excess of the regular quotas was authorized which proves that there was no flagging of the volunteer spirit during the Peninsular War. After the conclusion of hostilities infantry volunteer units practically ceased to exist and in the Army List of 1853 the names of only two such units appear. In 1859, however, owing to the aggressive attitude of Napoleon III, there was a tremendous revival of the volunteer spirit, and the Volunteer Force then established can be traced to the Public Notifications made by General Peel on 12th May, 1859 that Her Majesty’s government was prepared to permit the formation of Volunteer Rifle Corps, as well as Artillery Corps and Companies in maritime towns where forts and batteries already existed. It was in these circumstances that destiny fathered out of necessity that child of promise-the 3rd Durham Volunteer Artillery-at South Shields on 23rd December, 1859; a child which after the hazards and vicissitudes of the 19th and 20th centuries celebrates its centenary this year. The South Shields of our great grand-parents must not be imagined as the South Shields of today. A glimpse in retrospect is apt to be misleading. Time, that ever-flowing stream has spread its waters over the face of the seaport. Extinct are the carriages of the well to do; vanished are the crinolines and pomps of yester year; gone is that grinding poverty which was such a feature in early Victorian times; no longer do the lamp and candle flourish. The carriage has succumbed to the motor car, the crinoline has shrunk to the short skirt, poverty has yielded to the welfare state, and the lamp and candle have been swallowed up in the glare of electric light. For better or worse, the early era of steam is giving place to the Atomic Age. The borough has grown out of all recognition, its population has trebled and its shipping and industries increased to a remarkable degree; but in spite of all the ancient township still preserves its character and way of life.
In 1537, Henry VIII granted two charters. The first to the Fraternity of Artillerymen or Gunners in the Tower, a body of fee’d gunners which eventually developed into the Royal Regiment of Artillery; and to the second to the Fraternity of the Guild of St. George, a charter more germane to our subject. The Guild of St. George under its present name of the Honourable Artillery Company is the oldest volunteer unit in the British Isles and may be cited as an example which, surviving the legislation which introduced the Territorial Force, graduated into the ranks of the Territorial Army. The volunteers of long ago were formed into both mounted and dismounted units. The former were popular amongst the squires and farmers who having an aptitude for the saddle saw that they gratified it. Volunteer troops of horse were in evidence just after Charles II regained his throne and copies of commissions appointing officers to “A Volunteer Troop of Horse raised or to be raised for Our Service” dated “Whitehall 6th day of June 1685” are still preserved and illustrate the continuance of the voluntary idea into the reign of James II. This spirit of service probably continued into the 18th century for under the Militia Act of 1757, as amended in 1758, parishes were allowed to include in stipulated quotas of balloted men those who had volunteered for service. This arose from the fact that the framers of the earlier Volunteer Acts formed the Volunteer and Militia Forces on one establishment, thus allowing volunteers to join the Militia and serve as extra companies under their own volunteer officers. Parliamentary assent for the maintenance of a volunteer force was always required, but unlike other statutory troop no limitation was placed on its strength. Parliament had always been suspicious of the regular soldier but trusted civilians who were prepared to rush to arms to defend their country. The Volunteer Reserve Forces of the Crown have always been under the command of the Lord Lieutenant of each county who is responsible for their efficiency and discipline, both by constitutional usage and statutory authority. By 1794, corps of volunteers had come into being and these were exempted from service in the Militia. When Napoleon bestrode Europe, the term “volunteer” became very popular and a number of regular regiments raised at this time were described as “volunteers”, e.g., The South Lancashire Regiment (The Prince of Wale’s Volunteers). The foundation of the modern volunteer system was laid in 1802 with the passing of the Act 42 Geo III c. 66. Prior to that Act, Yeomanry and Volunteers had been established under the authority of statutes which expired with the peace of Amiens, 27th March, 1802. In anticipation of the renewal of the war with France it again became necessary to have recourse to the services of volunteers and further, to encourage them to serve under this Act they were exempted from service in the Militia. Accordingly, this Act enabled the Crown to accept the services of the corps already formed and of others thereafter to be formed, without any limitation as to numbers or continuance being imposed by Parliament. With Bonaparte casting envious eyes at “this precious stone set in a silver sea” there was a great resurgence of patriotic feeling and over half a million volunteers enrolled. In 1810, the enlistment of volunteers into the Militia in excess of the regular quotas was authorized which proves that there was no flagging of the volunteer spirit during the Peninsular War. After the conclusion of hostilities infantry volunteer units practically ceased to exist and in the Army List of 1853 the names of only two such units appear. In 1859, however, owing to the aggressive attitude of Napoleon III, there was a tremendous revival of the volunteer spirit, and the Volunteer Force then established can be traced to the Public Notifications made by General Peel on 12th May, 1859 that Her Majesty’s government was prepared to permit the formation of Volunteer Rifle Corps, as well as Artillery Corps and Companies in maritime towns where forts and batteries already existed. It was in these circumstances that destiny fathered out of necessity that child of promise-the 3rd Durham Volunteer Artillery-at South Shields on 23rd December, 1859; a child which after the hazards and vicissitudes of the 19th and 20th centuries celebrates its centenary this year. The South Shields of our great grand-parents must not be imagined as the South Shields of today. A glimpse in retrospect is apt to be misleading. Time, that ever-flowing stream has spread its waters over the face of the seaport. Extinct are the carriages of the well to do; vanished are the crinolines and pomps of yester year; gone is that grinding poverty which was such a feature in early Victorian times; no longer do the lamp and candle flourish. The carriage has succumbed to the motor car, the crinoline has shrunk to the short skirt, poverty has yielded to the welfare state, and the lamp and candle have been swallowed up in the glare of electric light. For better or worse, the early era of steam is giving place to the Atomic Age. The borough has grown out of all recognition, its population has trebled and its shipping and industries increased to a remarkable degree; but in spite of all the ancient township still preserves its character and way of life.
The introduction of the modern volunteer movement in South Shields may be said to have stemmed from
A War Office Circular Letter, dated 8th September, 1859
To all Officers Commanding Volunteers. Its text is as follows:-
A War Office Circular Letter, dated 8th September, 1859
To all Officers Commanding Volunteers. Its text is as follows:-
War Office
V
General No .
486
8th September 1859
Sir,
I am directed by Mr. Secretary Herbert to inform you that a committee, composed of members of the Volunteer Force, has been assembled at this Office for the purpose of drawing up Rules adapted for the government of Volunteer Corps when not on active service. The Rules agreed to by the Committee have been sanctioned by the Secretary of State; and I am to forward to you the enclosed copies of them, which Mr. Herbert considers likely to assist you in preparing Regulations for the government of the Corps under your Command Should you decide on adopting the suggestions of the Committee as a basis for such Regulations, I am to request that you will have the goodness to transmit one of my enclosed copies, accompanied by such alterations as you may think necessary, to the Lord Lieutenant of the County for submission to the Secretary of State, in accordance with the provisions of the Act 44 Geo III c.54,s. 56.
I have the honor to be
The Officer Commanding Sir,
Volunteers. Your Obedient Servant,
RIPON.
V
General No .
486
8th September 1859
Sir,
I am directed by Mr. Secretary Herbert to inform you that a committee, composed of members of the Volunteer Force, has been assembled at this Office for the purpose of drawing up Rules adapted for the government of Volunteer Corps when not on active service. The Rules agreed to by the Committee have been sanctioned by the Secretary of State; and I am to forward to you the enclosed copies of them, which Mr. Herbert considers likely to assist you in preparing Regulations for the government of the Corps under your Command Should you decide on adopting the suggestions of the Committee as a basis for such Regulations, I am to request that you will have the goodness to transmit one of my enclosed copies, accompanied by such alterations as you may think necessary, to the Lord Lieutenant of the County for submission to the Secretary of State, in accordance with the provisions of the Act 44 Geo III c.54,s. 56.
I have the honor to be
The Officer Commanding Sir,
Volunteers. Your Obedient Servant,
RIPON.
This letter may be considered the sequel to the Public Notifications announced by general peel on 12th May 1859. It did not fall on deaf ears in South Shields. This was closely followed by a further War Office Letter V/Leicester/3, dated 30th September 1859 which drew the attention of Officers Commanding Volunteer Corps to the niceties which should govern their official correspondence with the secretary of state. Stated briefly, matters involving discipline were to be forwarded through the Lord Lieutenant, whilst all others were to be sent direct to the Under Secretary of State. The remainder of the letter is reminiscent of a child’s first writing primer and its instructions follow the best Civil Service tradition. Possibly a century ago advice on the gentle art of the pen was more necessary (or considered to be more important) than it is today. Then officialdom still sat contemplative on Olympus and had not descended to the rough and tumble of the market place. Although this history, deals with the 3rd Durham Artillery Volunteers, pride of place in South Shields must be ceded to the town’s Volunteer Rifle Corps. The first meeting inaugurating this unit took place on 30th November, 1859 as the result of an appeal by 69 residents to John Williamson, Mayor of the Borough, that a public meeting should be convened to consider the formation of a volunteer corps in the town and its neighbourhood. This appeal was dated 8th November 1859. Upon its receipt, the Mayor responded with commendable alacrity and appointed a public meeting at the Town Hall on Monday evening 28th November at 7:30 p.m. The proceedings of this meeting are fully reported in The North and South Shields Gazette of Tuesday, 29th November, 1859 and it is proposed only to give an outline of the discussion on that memorable occasion. The Town Hall proving quite inadequate to accommodate the numbers who attended, an adjournment was made to the Central hall which quickly became filled to capacity. The Mayor presided and the audience, moved by patriotic fervour, cheered enthusiastically the remarks made by the various speakers. Many prominent citizens were present including the Town Clerk, the Mayor of Tynemouth, aldermen and councillors. His worship was received with great applause and after congratulating the large number present on their keenness, aid that although South Shields was not the first in the volunteer movement there was no reason why it should not become the most energetic in promoting it. He then surveyed the defences of the country and outlined his proposals. He wanted all who could rally to the flag and make England impregnable against assault. He was followed by Alderman Wallis, Mr. T. Salmon, Alderman Potts, Mr. W Anderson, the Mayor of Tynemouth, Captain Hawks, Mr. J.C. Stevenson, Dr Legat, Captain Potter of Tynemouth Volunteer Artillery, Mr. J.M. Moore, Alderman Glover, Councillor Thompson, Alderman Robinson and Mr. C. Anderson who all spoke in similar vein. The outcome of this meeting was the proposal of three resolutions. These were carried unanimously.
1. Proposed by Alderman Wallis and seconded by
Mr. T. Salmon
That, in co-operation with the constitutional and efficient measures
for national defence now so generally and prudently in course of
adoption throughout the kingdom, a Corps of Volunteers to be called
“The South Shields Volunteer Rifle Corps” be immediately formed for
this borough.2. Proposed by Mr. C. Anderson and seconded by
Mr. J. C. Stevenson
That lists be opened for the enrolment of names of the members
desirous of forming the new Corps, and that for encouragement
towards such formation, subscription lists be opened for the acquisition
of funds in aid of the costs of arms and equipment and which may be
otherwise necessary to defray expenses.
3. Proposed by Alderman Glover and seconded by
Councillor Thompson
That the following with power to add to their number be a committee
For the purpose of carrying out toe foregoing resolutions and making
The necessary arrangements – The Mayor, the Town Clerk, Alderman
Wallis, Alderman Dale, Messrs, C. Anderson, J.C. Stevenson,
S. Sutherland, J.L. Thompson, John Salmon, W. Wright, C. Young,
R. Chapman and J.A. Walker.
Mr. T. Salmon
That, in co-operation with the constitutional and efficient measures
for national defence now so generally and prudently in course of
adoption throughout the kingdom, a Corps of Volunteers to be called
“The South Shields Volunteer Rifle Corps” be immediately formed for
this borough.2. Proposed by Mr. C. Anderson and seconded by
Mr. J. C. Stevenson
That lists be opened for the enrolment of names of the members
desirous of forming the new Corps, and that for encouragement
towards such formation, subscription lists be opened for the acquisition
of funds in aid of the costs of arms and equipment and which may be
otherwise necessary to defray expenses.
3. Proposed by Alderman Glover and seconded by
Councillor Thompson
That the following with power to add to their number be a committee
For the purpose of carrying out toe foregoing resolutions and making
The necessary arrangements – The Mayor, the Town Clerk, Alderman
Wallis, Alderman Dale, Messrs, C. Anderson, J.C. Stevenson,
S. Sutherland, J.L. Thompson, John Salmon, W. Wright, C. Young,
R. Chapman and J.A. Walker.
It was also agreed at the meeting that Messrs. Dale, Miller and Co. should become treasurers and Messrs. Dawson and Archibold Stevenson the secretaries of the Corps. After an appeal by the Mayor for every able bodied young man who could handle a rifle to come forward and register as a member of the Volunteer Corps and the usual votes of thanks the meeting terminated amid thunderous applause. Over £215 (£22.000 2019) was subscribed that evening and many of those attending enrolled as members of the Corps, the Mayor being first to register.
The first meeting of the Volunteer Rifle Corps took place on 30th November 1859-two days later- proving that those who aspired to don the Queen’s uniform did not let the grass grow under their feet. This was followed by a second meeting on 5th December 1859. At this latter meeting a memorial urging the formation of an artillery corps was read by the chairman. On being considered, a motion, put forward by Mr J.C. Stevenson and seconded by Mr. R. Chapman that “the memorialists be recommended to join the Rifle Corp until the Artillery Corps be formed” was approved. They had barely three weeks to wait as the volunteer artillery unit came into being two days before the following Christmas. Recruiting for the Rifle unit spread like wild-fire and within a week 140 members had been enrolled. The first Rifle Corps drill was held on 28th December 1859. The two corps of riflemen and artillerymen did not, however long remain apart, the gravitational pull of the canon proving too strong. At a meeting of the 6th Rifle Corps, South Shields, held at the Golden Lion Hotel on 23rd December 1863, it was proposed by Mr. Armstrong and seconded by Mr. Maxwell that in the opinion of the meeting an amalgamation of the 6th Durham Rifles with the 3rd Durham Artillery would be for the mutual advantage of both corps and be calculated to increase the usefulness and efficiency of the volunteer movement in South Shields. This was opposed by Mr. Parker and Sergeant Thomas. The amendment was lost by 17 votes and the original motion passed by 24 votes. It was then agreed- with two dissentients- that Captain Williamson and Captain Anderson should co-operate with Captain J.C. Stevenson and the 3rd Durham Artillery Volunteers in planning the merger as soon as possible. A fortnight later the Rifle Corps accepted the position and agreed to absorption. It was laid down that officers should retain their relative rank and seniority under amalgamation. The physical qualifications for the Artillery Corps were the higher of the two (minimum height 5 feet 6 inches) and it was further agreed that this standard should govern all future admissions to the Corps. Thereafter, the South Shields Volunteer Rifle Corps fades from view and may be laid to rest with fitting obsequies. Mr J.C. Stevenson, who at the second meeting of the Rifle Volunteer Corps, had advocated the formation of an artillery corps as being more suitable to the requirements of a coastal town, was instrumental in bringing about the establishment of such a force which was, as has already been stated, set up a meeting held on 23rd December 1859, when the annual subscription for members was fixed at half a guinea and the cost of uniform was not to exceed £2-15-0 a suit. The rules adopted by the War Office for the government of Volunteers were duly received, and, based on them, those for the 3rd Durham Volunteer Artillery adopted at its committee meeting on 6th January 1860, were transmitted to the Secretary of State by the Lord Lieutenant of the county. These with certain minor alterations were approved in War Office letter V/Durham Artillery/8 dated 2nd March 1860, to the Earl of Durham from Mr Sidney Herbert. These amended Rules,
The first meeting of the Volunteer Rifle Corps took place on 30th November 1859-two days later- proving that those who aspired to don the Queen’s uniform did not let the grass grow under their feet. This was followed by a second meeting on 5th December 1859. At this latter meeting a memorial urging the formation of an artillery corps was read by the chairman. On being considered, a motion, put forward by Mr J.C. Stevenson and seconded by Mr. R. Chapman that “the memorialists be recommended to join the Rifle Corp until the Artillery Corps be formed” was approved. They had barely three weeks to wait as the volunteer artillery unit came into being two days before the following Christmas. Recruiting for the Rifle unit spread like wild-fire and within a week 140 members had been enrolled. The first Rifle Corps drill was held on 28th December 1859. The two corps of riflemen and artillerymen did not, however long remain apart, the gravitational pull of the canon proving too strong. At a meeting of the 6th Rifle Corps, South Shields, held at the Golden Lion Hotel on 23rd December 1863, it was proposed by Mr. Armstrong and seconded by Mr. Maxwell that in the opinion of the meeting an amalgamation of the 6th Durham Rifles with the 3rd Durham Artillery would be for the mutual advantage of both corps and be calculated to increase the usefulness and efficiency of the volunteer movement in South Shields. This was opposed by Mr. Parker and Sergeant Thomas. The amendment was lost by 17 votes and the original motion passed by 24 votes. It was then agreed- with two dissentients- that Captain Williamson and Captain Anderson should co-operate with Captain J.C. Stevenson and the 3rd Durham Artillery Volunteers in planning the merger as soon as possible. A fortnight later the Rifle Corps accepted the position and agreed to absorption. It was laid down that officers should retain their relative rank and seniority under amalgamation. The physical qualifications for the Artillery Corps were the higher of the two (minimum height 5 feet 6 inches) and it was further agreed that this standard should govern all future admissions to the Corps. Thereafter, the South Shields Volunteer Rifle Corps fades from view and may be laid to rest with fitting obsequies. Mr J.C. Stevenson, who at the second meeting of the Rifle Volunteer Corps, had advocated the formation of an artillery corps as being more suitable to the requirements of a coastal town, was instrumental in bringing about the establishment of such a force which was, as has already been stated, set up a meeting held on 23rd December 1859, when the annual subscription for members was fixed at half a guinea and the cost of uniform was not to exceed £2-15-0 a suit. The rules adopted by the War Office for the government of Volunteers were duly received, and, based on them, those for the 3rd Durham Volunteer Artillery adopted at its committee meeting on 6th January 1860, were transmitted to the Secretary of State by the Lord Lieutenant of the county. These with certain minor alterations were approved in War Office letter V/Durham Artillery/8 dated 2nd March 1860, to the Earl of Durham from Mr Sidney Herbert. These amended Rules,
MINUTES OF THE FIRST MEETIN G OF THE 3 DURHAM ARTILLERY VOLUNTEERS CORPS HELD ON 23RD DECEMBER
1859 IN THE TOWN HALL, SOUTH SHIELDS
1859 IN THE TOWN HALL, SOUTH SHIELDS
At a meeting of the intending Artillery Volunteers convened by the sub-committee appointed by the South Shields Volunteer Rifle Corps and held in the Town Hall, South Shields on Thursday evening 23rd December 1859.
Mr J.C. Stevenson was called to the chair.
It was resolved:---
1. That a Volunteer Artillery Corps now be formed for the Borough of South Shields.
2. That the annual subscription of members of the corps shall be 10S 6d and that lists be opened for the enrolment of members.
3. That Messrs W.D Learmount, J.S. Denham, Luke Mackay, J.A. Jackon, J.P. Matheson, Henry Metcalf and Isaac Tweddle be appointed to take charge of lists for obtaining members of the corps.
4. That a subscription be opened for obtaining money in aid of the funds of the Corps, that Lists be deposited at the Banks in the Town, and that Messrs Dale, Miller and Co. be the Treasurers.
5. That this meeting recommend that the cost of uniform including tunic, trousers, cap and waistbelt should not exceed £2 15s 0d.
6. That the Chairman be requested to write to the Earl of Durham, Lord Lieutenant of the County, announcing the formation of an Artillery Corps for South Shields and requesting his views as to the colour of the uniform and also to enquire what encouragement, Government was prepared to give in the erection of batteries, etc.
In accordance with the wish expressed in his letter to the Committee of the Rifle Corps, the name of Robert InGham Esq. M.P. was entered as an Honourary Life Member of the Corps with his subscription of ten guineas.
James C. Stevenson.
Note:-- The actual original committee meeting of the Corps, as a Corps was held on 11th January 1860.
Mr J.C. Stevenson was called to the chair.
It was resolved:---
1. That a Volunteer Artillery Corps now be formed for the Borough of South Shields.
2. That the annual subscription of members of the corps shall be 10S 6d and that lists be opened for the enrolment of members.
3. That Messrs W.D Learmount, J.S. Denham, Luke Mackay, J.A. Jackon, J.P. Matheson, Henry Metcalf and Isaac Tweddle be appointed to take charge of lists for obtaining members of the corps.
4. That a subscription be opened for obtaining money in aid of the funds of the Corps, that Lists be deposited at the Banks in the Town, and that Messrs Dale, Miller and Co. be the Treasurers.
5. That this meeting recommend that the cost of uniform including tunic, trousers, cap and waistbelt should not exceed £2 15s 0d.
6. That the Chairman be requested to write to the Earl of Durham, Lord Lieutenant of the County, announcing the formation of an Artillery Corps for South Shields and requesting his views as to the colour of the uniform and also to enquire what encouragement, Government was prepared to give in the erection of batteries, etc.
In accordance with the wish expressed in his letter to the Committee of the Rifle Corps, the name of Robert InGham Esq. M.P. was entered as an Honourary Life Member of the Corps with his subscription of ten guineas.
James C. Stevenson.
Note:-- The actual original committee meeting of the Corps, as a Corps was held on 11th January 1860.
RULES OF THE 3RD DURHAM ARTILLERY VOLUNTEER CORPS
1. The Corps having been raised under the Act 44Geo. III cap.54,the members are consequently subject to the provisions of that
Act, and to all regulations which have been, or shall be, issued under the Secretary of State for War.
2. The Corps shall consist of two classes—(1) Enrolled members, consisting of Effectives, Non-Effectives and Supernumeraries, and of (2) Honorary Members, the latter contributing to the funds of the Corps, but not being enrolled for service.
3. All subscriptions shall fall due on the first of January in each year, beginning with January 1860.
4. The annual subscription of members of the Corps shall be, for enrolled members 10s 6d, for honorary members one guinea payable in advance. A donation of ten guineas will constitute the donor an honorary member for life.
5. The Officer in Command will propose gentlemen top the Lord Lieutenant for commissions as Officers, but the appointment of all officers is vested by Act of Parliament in the Lord Lieutenant, subject to the Queen’s approval.
6. The non-commissioned officers shall be appointed by the Officer in Command.
7. After the acceptance of the services of the Corps, future candidates for admission shall be proposed by three members of the Corps and be admitted on the approval of the Commanding Officer.
8. Each member must be provided with uniform and accoutrements of the pattern approved by the Lord Lieutenant of the County.9. Each member shall be responsible for the due preservation of all articles issued to him which are the property of Her Majesty’sGovernment or of the Corps, fair wear and tear only excepted.
10. The expression “property of the Corps” shall include all articles which have been purchased out of the general funds of the Corps.
11. When the Corps is not assembled for active service the Commanding Officer is, by the general provisions of the Act 44 Geo III cap. 54, solely responsible for the discipline of the Corps, but it shall be lawful for him at any time to assemble a Court of Enquiry of two officers and two enrolled members of the Corps to be appointed by roster for the purpose of investigating any irregularity, and assist him in coming to a conclusion upon it, and any member who shall be proved before such, to have done any act which may injure the harmony or reputation of the Corps shall be liable at the discretion of the Commanding Officer, who shall consult the committee before giving his decision, to a finenot exceeding £5, or if not a commissioned officer to expulsion, and any enquiry in reference to a commissioned officer shallbe made by a Court composed of officers of the Volunteer Establishment within the County convened under the authorityof the Lord Lieutenant.
12. The Commanding Officer shall fix the time and place for parades, drills, gun and rifle practice.
13. The Senior Officer in Command shall have power, subject to the approval of the Commanding Officer, to inflict fines for minor offences as follows:--
For coming on parade intoxicated 2s. 6d.
For misconduct during exercise 1st offence 6d.
2nd offence 1s. 0d.
For neglect of duty when at gun practice 2s. 0d.
For misconduct while in uniform, at the Discretion of the Commanding Officer Not exceeding 10s. 0d.
14. When the Corps is under rifle drill the following fines shall also be imposed:--
For loading contrary to orders, or shooting Out of turn 2s. 6d.
For discharging the rifle accidentally 5s. 0d
For pointing the same, loaded or unloaded,
At any person without orders 20s. 0d.
15. Any member making an improper use of his sword or other weapon will be temporarily deprived thereof and will renderhimself subject to a fine not exceeding £5.
16. All fines imposed on members of the Corps shall be entered in a book kept by the Commanding Officer for that purpose and becarried to the credit of the funds of the Corps.
17. All fines shall become due on the first day of every month succeding that in which they have been incurred and shall be collected by the Company’s Sergeant and paid by him to the Captain.
18. The property of the Corps is by the 50th section of the Act 44 Geo.III cap. 54 legally vested in the Commanding Officer, but acommittee to aid him in the management of its finances and other civil business shall be appointed yearly. This Committee shall consist of two commissioned officers, to be elected by the commissioned officers, two non-commissioned officers to be elected by the non-commissioned officers and five privates elected by the privates, five of whom shall form a quorum, and meetings shall be convened at least once a month for the purpose
of considering the general non-military matters of the Corps.
19. The Commanding Officer shall cause an abstract of the accounts to be annually prepared for the information of every member of the Corps.
20. When the Corps is under rifle drill the expense of the ammunition shall be defrayed out of the funds of the Corps; but the cost of any further ammunition used for the purpose of practice shall be defrayed by the member or members expending it.
21. Honorary members shall not interfere in any way with the military duties of the Corps, neither shall it be obligatory on them to provide themselves with uniform.
22. Honorary members will be permitted to use the practice ground when it is not required by enrolled members.
23. The system of musketry instruction, as recommended for Volunteers by the Commandant of the School of Mustketry at Hythe, must be adhered to.
24. Every member is expected to provide himself with the Artillery Volunteers Manual and with a copy of the Rules of the Corps.25. If any case arises not provided for by the preceding Rules, or if there shall be any doubt as to the interpretation of them, theCommanding Officer, after consultation with the Committee, shall decide the course to be adopted and from his decision there shall be no appeal.
26. The Commanding Officer shall on requisition of not less than twenty members call a general meeting of the Corps and a general meeting of the Corps shall be held in the month of January in each year, the Commanding Officer having the power to summon such a meeting at any time.
27. Members wishing to retire from the Corps may do so at any time (except when on actual service) by giving fourteen days notice in writing of such intention to the Commanding Officer.
1. The Corps having been raised under the Act 44Geo. III cap.54,the members are consequently subject to the provisions of that
Act, and to all regulations which have been, or shall be, issued under the Secretary of State for War.
2. The Corps shall consist of two classes—(1) Enrolled members, consisting of Effectives, Non-Effectives and Supernumeraries, and of (2) Honorary Members, the latter contributing to the funds of the Corps, but not being enrolled for service.
3. All subscriptions shall fall due on the first of January in each year, beginning with January 1860.
4. The annual subscription of members of the Corps shall be, for enrolled members 10s 6d, for honorary members one guinea payable in advance. A donation of ten guineas will constitute the donor an honorary member for life.
5. The Officer in Command will propose gentlemen top the Lord Lieutenant for commissions as Officers, but the appointment of all officers is vested by Act of Parliament in the Lord Lieutenant, subject to the Queen’s approval.
6. The non-commissioned officers shall be appointed by the Officer in Command.
7. After the acceptance of the services of the Corps, future candidates for admission shall be proposed by three members of the Corps and be admitted on the approval of the Commanding Officer.
8. Each member must be provided with uniform and accoutrements of the pattern approved by the Lord Lieutenant of the County.9. Each member shall be responsible for the due preservation of all articles issued to him which are the property of Her Majesty’sGovernment or of the Corps, fair wear and tear only excepted.
10. The expression “property of the Corps” shall include all articles which have been purchased out of the general funds of the Corps.
11. When the Corps is not assembled for active service the Commanding Officer is, by the general provisions of the Act 44 Geo III cap. 54, solely responsible for the discipline of the Corps, but it shall be lawful for him at any time to assemble a Court of Enquiry of two officers and two enrolled members of the Corps to be appointed by roster for the purpose of investigating any irregularity, and assist him in coming to a conclusion upon it, and any member who shall be proved before such, to have done any act which may injure the harmony or reputation of the Corps shall be liable at the discretion of the Commanding Officer, who shall consult the committee before giving his decision, to a finenot exceeding £5, or if not a commissioned officer to expulsion, and any enquiry in reference to a commissioned officer shallbe made by a Court composed of officers of the Volunteer Establishment within the County convened under the authorityof the Lord Lieutenant.
12. The Commanding Officer shall fix the time and place for parades, drills, gun and rifle practice.
13. The Senior Officer in Command shall have power, subject to the approval of the Commanding Officer, to inflict fines for minor offences as follows:--
For coming on parade intoxicated 2s. 6d.
For misconduct during exercise 1st offence 6d.
2nd offence 1s. 0d.
For neglect of duty when at gun practice 2s. 0d.
For misconduct while in uniform, at the Discretion of the Commanding Officer Not exceeding 10s. 0d.
14. When the Corps is under rifle drill the following fines shall also be imposed:--
For loading contrary to orders, or shooting Out of turn 2s. 6d.
For discharging the rifle accidentally 5s. 0d
For pointing the same, loaded or unloaded,
At any person without orders 20s. 0d.
15. Any member making an improper use of his sword or other weapon will be temporarily deprived thereof and will renderhimself subject to a fine not exceeding £5.
16. All fines imposed on members of the Corps shall be entered in a book kept by the Commanding Officer for that purpose and becarried to the credit of the funds of the Corps.
17. All fines shall become due on the first day of every month succeding that in which they have been incurred and shall be collected by the Company’s Sergeant and paid by him to the Captain.
18. The property of the Corps is by the 50th section of the Act 44 Geo.III cap. 54 legally vested in the Commanding Officer, but acommittee to aid him in the management of its finances and other civil business shall be appointed yearly. This Committee shall consist of two commissioned officers, to be elected by the commissioned officers, two non-commissioned officers to be elected by the non-commissioned officers and five privates elected by the privates, five of whom shall form a quorum, and meetings shall be convened at least once a month for the purpose
of considering the general non-military matters of the Corps.
19. The Commanding Officer shall cause an abstract of the accounts to be annually prepared for the information of every member of the Corps.
20. When the Corps is under rifle drill the expense of the ammunition shall be defrayed out of the funds of the Corps; but the cost of any further ammunition used for the purpose of practice shall be defrayed by the member or members expending it.
21. Honorary members shall not interfere in any way with the military duties of the Corps, neither shall it be obligatory on them to provide themselves with uniform.
22. Honorary members will be permitted to use the practice ground when it is not required by enrolled members.
23. The system of musketry instruction, as recommended for Volunteers by the Commandant of the School of Mustketry at Hythe, must be adhered to.
24. Every member is expected to provide himself with the Artillery Volunteers Manual and with a copy of the Rules of the Corps.25. If any case arises not provided for by the preceding Rules, or if there shall be any doubt as to the interpretation of them, theCommanding Officer, after consultation with the Committee, shall decide the course to be adopted and from his decision there shall be no appeal.
26. The Commanding Officer shall on requisition of not less than twenty members call a general meeting of the Corps and a general meeting of the Corps shall be held in the month of January in each year, the Commanding Officer having the power to summon such a meeting at any time.
27. Members wishing to retire from the Corps may do so at any time (except when on actual service) by giving fourteen days notice in writing of such intention to the Commanding Officer.
The Artillery Corps soon secured a large number of recruits and at a meeting held on 6th January 1860, it was agreed that Isaac Tweddle and J.Y. Strachan should act as secretaries to the Corps pro tem. It was further agreed that the preliminary committee should consist of 14 members including the secretaries; five to form a quorum. The following gentlemen were elected the provisional committee; J.C. Stevenson, Soloman Sutherland, J.B. Barker, Thomas Pyke, Luke Mackey, J.A. Jackson, Robinson Elliot, Ralph Burn, James Rutherford, Joseph Frain, Henry Hart and Joseph Johnson. This committee was empowered to remit at its discretion, the first year’s subscriptions to members of the working classes. On 11 January 1860, Robert Ingham, M.P., and Mr J.B.Duke were made honorary members of the Corps. It was then laid down that the minimum height for a member was to be 5 feet 6 inches. The drive for money being essential, various bodies, of which a list appears in the minute book, were asked to contribute to the funds of the Corps. The question of uniform was also discussed and Lord Durham, the Lord Lieutenant, was asked to approve of a blue uniform. Captain McBey was asked for guns with which to drill and Dr. Frain and Mr. S. Sutherland were deputed to look after the arms for drill. Hustle was the order of the day; there was no slackness in getting the Corps launched. On 18th January 1860, it was agreed to ask the War Office to supply drawings of uniforms for artillery volunteer units. Lord Durham approved the Rules of the Corps, which after minor amendments, were sanctioned by the Secretary of State for War on 2nd March 1860, as before stated. The Lord Lieutenant also agreed to a blue for the Corps. Another honorary member—Mr James Mather—was made in consideration of his gift of 10 guineas.
On 25th January 1860, Mr. Barker’s offer of a place for the purpose of carrying out drills was accepted and at the meeting held on that date it was laid down that elementary drill would take place on Mondays and Wednesdays of each week beginning on Monday 30th January. The zeal of members to perfect themselves as volunteers may be inferred from the fact that twice a week they used to assemble at 6.0a.m. for drill on ground which was afterwards laid out as a marine park, and then march over to the sands to Trow Rocks and proceed home by Westoe.
The motto “What is worth doing is worth doing well” certainly applied in this case.
On 25th January 1860, Mr. Barker’s offer of a place for the purpose of carrying out drills was accepted and at the meeting held on that date it was laid down that elementary drill would take place on Mondays and Wednesdays of each week beginning on Monday 30th January. The zeal of members to perfect themselves as volunteers may be inferred from the fact that twice a week they used to assemble at 6.0a.m. for drill on ground which was afterwards laid out as a marine park, and then march over to the sands to Trow Rocks and proceed home by Westoe.
The motto “What is worth doing is worth doing well” certainly applied in this case.
The Corps soon secured a large number of recruits and during February the unit really took shape. On 17th February 1860, the following officers were elected by ballot:--
Captain Commandant: James Cochran Stevenson First Lieutenant: T. B. Baker Second Lieutenant: J. L. Thompson Surgeon: Dr. Joseph Frain were elected the provisional committee; J.C. Stevenson, Soloman Sutherland, J.B. Barker, Thomas Pyke, Luke Mackey, J.A. Jackson, Robinson Elliot, Ralph Burn, James Rutherford, Joseph Frain, Henry Hart and Joseph Johnson. This committee was empowered to remit at its discretion, the first year’s subscriptions to members of the working classes. On 11 January 1860, Robert Ingham, M.P., and Mr J.B.Duke were made honorary members of the Corps. |
A few days later on 22 February, four sergeants—Isaac Tweddle, J.A. Jackson, John Robson and Robert Tweddle were elected; also four corporals, John Robson, Thomas Moffett, Thomas Pyke and James Robertson.
The officers received their commissions on 14 March 1860.
Matters of uniform and equipment were also decided in February. Broadly speaking, the details were as under:--
The officers received their commissions on 14 March 1860.
Matters of uniform and equipment were also decided in February. Broadly speaking, the details were as under:--
Tunics and Trousers.
War Office Patterns Cap. War Office pattern with straight peak; the colour of the lining of each cap to be left to the individual taste of each member. Facings. Facings on the uniform to be of War Office pattern. Uniform. Colour, to be blue. Trousers. Double red piping down the trouser Leg with an interval of on inch black Braid between. Buttons. To be of white metal. The original Suggestion had been gilt, but this Proposal was dropped when it was Learned from the Lord Lieutenant That gilt buttons would not be allowed. Belts. Waist and cross belts. Plain black leather belts to be provided by the committee were also to be allowed. It was agreed that all metal ornaments for uniforms and belts should be supplied to members free by the Corps. |
1859-1902 32 pdr. S.B.Gun
Sergeant Sherwin was attached to the Corps as a drill instructor in March 1860, and the first outdoor drill, as a parade, took place towards the end of that month. Volunteer parades and especially reviews were always great occasions, Both militarily and socially, and the present writer well remembers being a spectator on such an occasion over sixty years ago. How the ladies of South Shields in those far off days must have admired their menfolk decked out in blue and silver; almost like the Assyrians of Biblical times, for as Mr. Pickwick said to Mr. Weller “We, who are men of the world, know that a good uniform must work its way with woman sooner or later.” This in its turn, must have acted as a spur to enrolment and made the youth of the neighbourhood realise that the donning of the uniform was a passport to the delights of feminine society. Much has been written about soldiers, their virtues, their courage and their faults. Since the days of Rome, poets have sung their praises or maligned their calling. It is the point of view between the patriot and the pacifist. From Livy who wrote that “The soldier should be fear-inspiring; not decked with gold and silver, but relying on his courage and his steel” to Bernard Shaw who advised the world to lock up its spoons and pack off its womenfolk when the military man approached, and who considered a soldier to be an anachronism who should be liquidated. Although most of the sayings about the fighting man and the fair sex specify a red coat, the blue worn by artillerymen can be just as seductive. In this connection, a letter written by F. L. Pearson, a member of the 3rd Durham Volunteer Artillery, in June 1863, is apt and informative:--
“The Sunderland Volunteers marched to Ryhope the other evening accompanied as is always the case on similar occasions by numbers of young ladies. One of the gallant Corps attempted to put, and in fact succeeded in placing his arm round the taper waist of one of the said ladies, but was instantly called to order by Corporal…………Private S…….., he said, “Government didn’t provide you with arms for that purpose.’ The lady being left to herself marched easy.”
During the infancy of the Corps, Committee meetings appear to have been held every week or ten days when financial matters, promotion, training and other subjects were discussed. The proceedings of those meetings are faithfully recorded in the Minute book of the Corps till the close of 1885 when they abruptly cease. No doubt, the Volunteer system, being by then on a firm national footing, the need for treating each unit as a kind of club or association disappeared. These meetings served as a useful purpose in providing a forum where ideas could be exchanged and grievances ventilated, and their proceedings are a mine of information on matters of detail. As a lay-figure on which to drape the garment of history, however, they have their limitations. One regrets to have to record that the government, personified by the War Office, did little to encourage the ardour of the volunteer. The enrolled member was after all prepared to train for the defence of his country even though the possible danger to life and limb was not great, and for this privilege he had to tender an annual subscription, pay for his uniform and defray the expenses of the ammunition he used in trying to improve his skill on the rifle range. Moreover, he had to be content with obsolescent arms.
“The Sunderland Volunteers marched to Ryhope the other evening accompanied as is always the case on similar occasions by numbers of young ladies. One of the gallant Corps attempted to put, and in fact succeeded in placing his arm round the taper waist of one of the said ladies, but was instantly called to order by Corporal…………Private S…….., he said, “Government didn’t provide you with arms for that purpose.’ The lady being left to herself marched easy.”
During the infancy of the Corps, Committee meetings appear to have been held every week or ten days when financial matters, promotion, training and other subjects were discussed. The proceedings of those meetings are faithfully recorded in the Minute book of the Corps till the close of 1885 when they abruptly cease. No doubt, the Volunteer system, being by then on a firm national footing, the need for treating each unit as a kind of club or association disappeared. These meetings served as a useful purpose in providing a forum where ideas could be exchanged and grievances ventilated, and their proceedings are a mine of information on matters of detail. As a lay-figure on which to drape the garment of history, however, they have their limitations. One regrets to have to record that the government, personified by the War Office, did little to encourage the ardour of the volunteer. The enrolled member was after all prepared to train for the defence of his country even though the possible danger to life and limb was not great, and for this privilege he had to tender an annual subscription, pay for his uniform and defray the expenses of the ammunition he used in trying to improve his skill on the rifle range. Moreover, he had to be content with obsolescent arms.
In a letter dated 2nd March 1860, the Secretary of State for War informed the Officer Commanding the 3rd Durham Artillery Volunteer Corps that the state of the stores in the country would not admit of the issue of rifled carbines, but that he would be prepared to sanction the supply of the requisite number of smooth-bore carbines for enrolled men. He added that the proportion of blank ammunition per rifle laid down would be authorized under the same conditions for the S.B carbines, but sagely remarked that in the circumstances it would be unnecessary to issue ball ammunition. How useful for the budding marksman! Later on in the same month four swords for sergeants and 62 smooth-bore carbines were issued to the unit. After this initial effort, things began to improve and minor issues of stores began to be made to the unit more frequently. The blueprint was becoming a live organism. The C.O of the Corps was informed that the Colonel Commanding the Royal Artillery, Northern and Midland District, had been instructed to hand over two 32 pdr. S.B. guns with carriages and small ancillary stores for the purpose of drill instruction, and a week later Corporal (afterwards Sergeant) Sherwin was attached to the unit as a drill instructor. The first drill with this piece was carried out on 27th March though not with the actual gun which the Volunteers had hoped to receive.
On 31st March 1860, the strength of the corps stood at one Captain, two Lieutenants, four sergeants, four corporals and 58 gunners, a total of 66. Soon after 62 muskets, percussion, S.B., artillery with bayonets and other appropriate stores arrived. Thus a start could be made in elementary drill and training.
On 5th March, the Northumberland Volunteer Artillery at Tynemouth had suggested to the War Office that, although their numbers did not entitle them to the services of an adjutant, their strength, if combined with that of the South Shields unit, would qualify for this coveted appointment. They asked in all seriousness if this request could be granted.
On 31st March 1860, the strength of the corps stood at one Captain, two Lieutenants, four sergeants, four corporals and 58 gunners, a total of 66. Soon after 62 muskets, percussion, S.B., artillery with bayonets and other appropriate stores arrived. Thus a start could be made in elementary drill and training.
On 5th March, the Northumberland Volunteer Artillery at Tynemouth had suggested to the War Office that, although their numbers did not entitle them to the services of an adjutant, their strength, if combined with that of the South Shields unit, would qualify for this coveted appointment. They asked in all seriousness if this request could be granted.
The 3rd Durham Volunteer Artillery re-inforced this appeal on 9th April. This very necessary posting was made in due course.
The two 32 pdr. guns not having materialised Captain J.C. Stevenson wrote a letter of mild complaint to the under Secretary of State for War asking for their issue to be expedited as the unit was most anxious to commence regular gun drill. He pointed out that the gun drill instructors had been in the unit’s possession for two months, that the weather was favourable and that the correspondence with the Military Storekeeper was non-committal. He begged for the pieces of ordnance concerned together with their appropriate stores to be delivered without further delay. This letter, which was dated 4th May 1860, also asked when the S.B. carbines held by the unit would be exchanged for those of a rifled nature. The War Office replied on 7 June to the effect that only one 32 pdr. could now be supplied and that no pledge regarding the exchange of carbines could be given. To a keen volunteer trying to make his command efficient, this lack of urgency displayed by authority must have been very frustrating. Actually, the one gun arrived on 4th June, 3 days before the dispatch of the letter in question. “Let not thy left hand know what thy right hand doeth.”
By, 13th August 1860, the Corps had enrolled 79 men.
On, 25th September 1860, the first inspection of the Corps by higher authority took place. In company with the 1st Northumberland (Tynemouth) Artillery, it was inspected at North Shields by Lieut.-Colonel Morris, C.B., Inspector-General of Artillery Volunteers. The 3rd Durham’s mustered in the drill field, Westoe Lane, South Shields, under the command of Lieutenant Barker, whence headed by their excellent band, they marched to Ferry Station and crossed the Tyne by the 7.45 p.m. ferry boat. The Corps proceeded by the New Road to the Assembly Rooms in Norfolk Street, North Shields, where they arrived at 8.15 p.m. being met by the Northumberland Artillery under the command of Major Potter. The contingent consisted of Lieutenants Barker and Thompson and some 60 other ranks. The volunteers were inspected, going through manual and platoon exercises in slow and quick time. At the end, they were addressed by Lieut-Colonel Morris who congratulated them on their drill, turnout and soldierly appearance. He said they had put up a very credible performance and that he intended to send in a complimentary report to headquarters. After the parade was over the 1st Northumberland’s accompanied the 3rd Durham’s to the New Quay. On disembarking from the ferry the Durham
The two 32 pdr. guns not having materialised Captain J.C. Stevenson wrote a letter of mild complaint to the under Secretary of State for War asking for their issue to be expedited as the unit was most anxious to commence regular gun drill. He pointed out that the gun drill instructors had been in the unit’s possession for two months, that the weather was favourable and that the correspondence with the Military Storekeeper was non-committal. He begged for the pieces of ordnance concerned together with their appropriate stores to be delivered without further delay. This letter, which was dated 4th May 1860, also asked when the S.B. carbines held by the unit would be exchanged for those of a rifled nature. The War Office replied on 7 June to the effect that only one 32 pdr. could now be supplied and that no pledge regarding the exchange of carbines could be given. To a keen volunteer trying to make his command efficient, this lack of urgency displayed by authority must have been very frustrating. Actually, the one gun arrived on 4th June, 3 days before the dispatch of the letter in question. “Let not thy left hand know what thy right hand doeth.”
By, 13th August 1860, the Corps had enrolled 79 men.
On, 25th September 1860, the first inspection of the Corps by higher authority took place. In company with the 1st Northumberland (Tynemouth) Artillery, it was inspected at North Shields by Lieut.-Colonel Morris, C.B., Inspector-General of Artillery Volunteers. The 3rd Durham’s mustered in the drill field, Westoe Lane, South Shields, under the command of Lieutenant Barker, whence headed by their excellent band, they marched to Ferry Station and crossed the Tyne by the 7.45 p.m. ferry boat. The Corps proceeded by the New Road to the Assembly Rooms in Norfolk Street, North Shields, where they arrived at 8.15 p.m. being met by the Northumberland Artillery under the command of Major Potter. The contingent consisted of Lieutenants Barker and Thompson and some 60 other ranks. The volunteers were inspected, going through manual and platoon exercises in slow and quick time. At the end, they were addressed by Lieut-Colonel Morris who congratulated them on their drill, turnout and soldierly appearance. He said they had put up a very credible performance and that he intended to send in a complimentary report to headquarters. After the parade was over the 1st Northumberland’s accompanied the 3rd Durham’s to the New Quay. On disembarking from the ferry the Durham
THE MEMORANDA ISSUED ON THE OCCASION OF THE GREAT REVIEW HELD IN EDINBURGH BY H.M. QUEEN ON THE 7 AUGUST 1860,. DATED 4TH AUGUST, 1860.
1. Permission has been obtained for the Corps to attend the review.
2. Every member must be provided with a haversack and carry provisions for the whole day. Sergeant Sherwin shall supply the haversacks at 1s 2d each. 3. Each man must appear in white cotton or other white gloves, and with his ornaments and arms cleaned. No shirt collars are to be visable, a black stock or handkerchief being worn. 4. The Secretary of State relies on the Commanding Officer not to allow any Volunteer who is not proficient to appear before Her Majesty. 5. The Special train leaves Newcastle at 6:30 (South Shields at 5) and will be due in Edinburgh at 11:30. The Corps will stop at the St Margaret’s Station and proceed to the park by the Piershill gate. 6. The Rendezvous of the Corps will be Dr. Foulis’s Hall, 139 Grass Market. 7. As every Corps must be in Line on the Ground at Three o’Clock, there will probably be no time to visit the Rendezvous before the review. 8. Members desirous of remaining all night in Edinburgh may bivouack in the Hall. 9. By an extra payment of 2s. on leaving Edinburgh any Volunteer may return on Wednesday or Thursday morning. 10. The special train leaves Edinburgh at 7.15 on Tuesday evening. |
Volunteers were marched to the Market Place where Lieutenant Thompson addressed them. After complimenting them on the excellent impression they had made that evening on the Inspector-General, he urged on them the importance of regular drill. Prior to this inspection, the 3 Durham Artillery Volunteer Corps had been represented at the great review of 20,000 volunteers by H.M. Queen Victoria at Edinburgh on 7th August 1860. This review was a high-light in the childhood of the 3rd Durham Artillery Volunteers and a very memorable occasion in the life of the whole volunteer movement. It bred enormous enthusiasm. To our minds perhaps, the proceedings seem very protracted, but the tempo of 1860 was not that of today. Nowadays things move more quickly, a fact possibly to be regretted. The officers and men took up their positions in Holy-rood Park at 7.0 a.m., although owing to the numbers involved and the distances some units had to travel, many contingents were late on the parade ground. The Royal train arrived at St Margaret’s station shortly after 8.0. a.m. being seven minutes ahead of schedule. As it drew into the station, a Royal salute was fired from Edinburgh Castle. The day broke chilly, dull and stormy with light showers of rain but the Clerk of the Weather, facing up to his responsibilities, saw that6 the sun burst through at 2 o’clock. The afternoon proved bright and fine with a pleasant westerly breeze. This, unfortunately, proved to be the only jarring note in an otherwise gorgeous spectacle for it caused the dust to rise around the marching feet and cloud to some extent the spectators view. The station was tastefully decorated as is the way with stations on such important visits and Her Majesty on alighting was received by a splendid assemblage of general officers and other notable officials, including the Chief of Police and the Lord Provost of the city. Queen Victoria was attended by Mr. Sidney Herbert, Secretary of State for War; Colonel Sir Charles Phipps; Major-General the Hon. C. Grey; the Countess of Dysart, Lady in waiting; the Hon. Beatrice Byng, Maid of Honour; Lieut.-Colonel de Ros, Life Guards, Equerry to the Prince Consort, and Major Elphinstone, tutor to Prince Arthur. After the usual presentations, the Royal party entered a procession of open carriages escorted by a detachment of the 13th Light Dragoons and their band which played the National Anthem.
The procession moved at an easy pace through the streets of Edinburgh and Holyrood Park reaching the palace at 8.20 a.m. Here a guard of honour supplied by the 78th Highlanders under the command of Lieut.-Colonel Lockhart was drawn up. Their band played the Royal Anthem as the Queen entered the palace. The beautiful fountain in front of the entrance was put into play for the occasion. Nominally 20,000 Volunteers were present though the actual number was nearer 23,000. These, in their various uniforms of differing shades of grey, made a brave showing. The actual number of spectators on the ground was about 3,000 though estimates of the crowds gathered on the hills above the city were in the neighbourhood of 200,000. The enthusiasm was intense and it was a great day for Edinburgh. It was half past three in the afternoon before the entire line of troops was formed and facing the saluting base. Behind the saluting flag was a gaily festooned gallery holding 1,000 people. Her Majesty left Holyrood Palace at 3.30 p.m. attended by a splendid retinue. The Duchess of Kent, Princess Alice and Prince Arthur accompanied the Queen in her carriage whilst the prince Consort and the Duke of Buccleugh acted as out-riders. In attendance were Generals Scarlett, Airey and Grey, the Marquis of Tweeddale and other high-ranking military officers. In the suite were Mr. Sidney Herbert, the Earl of Wemyss, the Marquis of Stafford, Lord Polworth, Lord Belhaven and the Lord Provost of Edinburgh. The whole parade, under the command of General Sir George Wetherall, was divided into two divisions commanded respectively by Lord Rokeby and General Cameron. There were units from 150 different corps and regiments on the ground marshalled in 35 battalions; one Mounted Rifles, six Artillery, one Engineer4s and 27 Rifles. The Durham’s formed part of the 1st Artillery Brigade of the 1st Division. The total artillery strength present, confined to the 1st Division was 3,451. The march-past commenced at 4.0 p.m. and took one hour and twenty minutes to complete. Then the whole, reformed into line, advanced towards the base and saluted. The review ended with three cheers for the sovereign. Her Majesty left the park at 5.45 p.m. Thus ended a magnificent pageant which no doubt gladdened the hearts of all and sundry, as well as proving a great stimulus to recruiting.
The permanent committee of the Corps elected in March 1860 was as follows:--
Officers
Lieutenant J.B. Barker
2nd Lieutenant J.B. Thompson
N.C.O.s
Sergeant John Robson
Corporal Thomas Moffet Jr.
Privates
Henry Hart
Luke Mackay
Ralph Burn
Joseph Richardson
Secretary
Thomas Moffett
Officers
Lieutenant J.B. Barker
2nd Lieutenant J.B. Thompson
N.C.O.s
Sergeant John Robson
Corporal Thomas Moffet Jr.
Privates
Henry Hart
Luke Mackay
Ralph Burn
Joseph Richardson
Secretary
Thomas Moffett
Naturally the members of the committee changed periodically for its maintenance took place annually.
On 26th September 1860, the War Office announced the 50% of the strength of the Corps could be issued with rifles in place of smooth-bore carbines and on 6th October the Commanding Officer asked for 40 of these new weapons as his enrolled strength was 80. On 17th October he was issued with 38. On 29th October, he applied to the C.R.A., Northern and Midland District, for permission to commence artillery practice and for the issue from Clifford Fort of the usual allowance of ammunition. He also applied for a target and for the necessary appliance for towing it at sea. The War Office on 30th October 1860 sent down the design and specification of the authorised floating target. It was to be made locally according to specification, for which a sum of £7-13-0 would be allowed. Any further expense would have to be defrayed by the Corps. The target itself was estimated to cost £4-0-0 and the 28lb. anchor with 30 fathoms of chain cable £3-13-0. Gun charges, shot, etc., were issued to the unit on 21st November 1860, and the first blank cartridge firing with the 32 pdr. took place on 30th January 1861. Live practice was carried out on 16th March 1861. On 17th January 1861, the Under Secretary of State for War agreed to the issue of the remaining 50% of the rifled carbines. It had taken 14 months for the 3rd Durham Volunteer Artillery to fire the first shot. Considering the state of military stores and equipment in this country at the close of the Crimean War, it is perhaps, a matter for surprise that the period of gestation was not more prolonged.
On 26th September 1860, the War Office announced the 50% of the strength of the Corps could be issued with rifles in place of smooth-bore carbines and on 6th October the Commanding Officer asked for 40 of these new weapons as his enrolled strength was 80. On 17th October he was issued with 38. On 29th October, he applied to the C.R.A., Northern and Midland District, for permission to commence artillery practice and for the issue from Clifford Fort of the usual allowance of ammunition. He also applied for a target and for the necessary appliance for towing it at sea. The War Office on 30th October 1860 sent down the design and specification of the authorised floating target. It was to be made locally according to specification, for which a sum of £7-13-0 would be allowed. Any further expense would have to be defrayed by the Corps. The target itself was estimated to cost £4-0-0 and the 28lb. anchor with 30 fathoms of chain cable £3-13-0. Gun charges, shot, etc., were issued to the unit on 21st November 1860, and the first blank cartridge firing with the 32 pdr. took place on 30th January 1861. Live practice was carried out on 16th March 1861. On 17th January 1861, the Under Secretary of State for War agreed to the issue of the remaining 50% of the rifled carbines. It had taken 14 months for the 3rd Durham Volunteer Artillery to fire the first shot. Considering the state of military stores and equipment in this country at the close of the Crimean War, it is perhaps, a matter for surprise that the period of gestation was not more prolonged.
A Cadet Company for the Corps was proposed in February 1861 and on 10th of that month upwards of 60 boys attended the meeting at the Mechanics’ Institute called in connection with the formation of this Cadet Company. Captain Stevenson explained to the boys the advantages in becoming a cadet. By drill, they would be taught to walk properly and hold themselves erect, they would learn to obey commands and become sharper and more active than they would be without such training. It would also fit them to graduate into the ranks of the Volunteers in due course, thereby ensuring the permanency of the Volunteer movement. In fact, it was the same idea as that which lay behind the boy scout concept of the 20th Century. Meanwhile, Mr. Luke Mackay had prepared a sample tunic of blue serge with red cuffs, collar and facings which, being of blouse design, could be worn over the jacket and allow for growth. The cost of this garment was 7s. The rest of the cadet’s uniform was to consist of a white cricket belt with snake fastening, price 1s; and a round cap of glengarry material with a red band, price 2s. 6d. There were to be no uniform trousers, any trousers of dark material, technically known as “sub-fusc”, would be acceptable. Each cadet was to be supplied with a S.B. constabulary musket for 8s. The complete equipment and clothing for each young aspirant to martial glory would cost 18s. 6d., or 20s. 6d. if a better material were required for a blouse. The proposals evidently proved popular for between 30 and 40 lads offered to join at once. These new would-be recruits assembled later at the Seaman’s Hall, Fowler Street, when Captain Stevenson explained that two sub-divisions would be formed in the Cadet Company. One consisting of boys of 5 feet 2 inches and upwards, and the other of those between the heights of 4 feet 8 inches and 5 feet 2 inches. Fifty three boys of the requisite sizes joined.
The first drill took place at the new building erected in Chapel Row on the following Saturday evening at 7.0 p.m. The Cadet Corps was officially established on 19th February 1861. Little else of importance happened between April 1860 and May 1861. Few details are recorded and these pertain only to minor matters of domestic economy. They are best presented in diary form.
14th April 1860 100 plated guns at 4s and 100 large grenades were ordered from Mr. John Robson.
5th July 1860 £5 p.a. granted to Sergeant Sherwin in lieu of coal, candles and water.
7th Feb. 1861 Four Bombardiers: J. Dunn, John March-banks, Thomas Mearns and John S. Purvis were elected.
28th May 1861 Mr. rowe paid £20. £10 for the die which was ordered on 8th November 1860 and £10 on account of ornaments furnished.
The first drill took place at the new building erected in Chapel Row on the following Saturday evening at 7.0 p.m. The Cadet Corps was officially established on 19th February 1861. Little else of importance happened between April 1860 and May 1861. Few details are recorded and these pertain only to minor matters of domestic economy. They are best presented in diary form.
14th April 1860 100 plated guns at 4s and 100 large grenades were ordered from Mr. John Robson.
5th July 1860 £5 p.a. granted to Sergeant Sherwin in lieu of coal, candles and water.
7th Feb. 1861 Four Bombardiers: J. Dunn, John March-banks, Thomas Mearns and John S. Purvis were elected.
28th May 1861 Mr. rowe paid £20. £10 for the die which was ordered on 8th November 1860 and £10 on account of ornaments furnished.
On 20th September 1861, the 3 Durham Volunteer Artillery was inspected by Lieut..- Colonel Anderson, RA.,C.B. in the cricket field, Claypath Lane. The men were under the command of Captain J.C. Stevenson, the cadets being present under Sergeant Sherwin. The other officers present were Lieutenants Barker and Thompson, and surgeon Frain. The usual complimentary speeches appropriate to such occasions were exchanged. Colonel Anderson expressed pleasure at the smartness of the turnout but regretted that the number present on parade was small. Captain Stevenson said that he hoped the kind remarks of Colonel Anderson would act as a stimulus to recruiting as well as encouraging those present to persevere in their work. On 9th February 1863, the annual subscription top the Corps was reduced to 5s. History does not relate whether this was a gesture to attract fresh volunteers. At a meeting on 3rd May 1864, Captain Stevenson reported that correspondence had taken place on the subject of erecting a battery, and it was suggested that Trow Point would be the most suitable site available. Captain Stevenson therefore undertook to arrange with the Piers’ Committee for the occupation of the position in question. He was able to report on 19th may 1864 that the River Tyne Commissioners had on the 12th of that month granted to the Volunteers the use of Trow Point for seven years at an annual ground rent of 20s. On 29th July 1864, it was resolved that 20 Enfield rifles should be purchased for the use of the Corps. During that year Sergeant Sherwin was granted a house allowance of £10 p.a. afterwards increased to £13 with effect from the 11th November. By this time Bombardier Cooper had also become a drill instructor. During the year, also, the offer of Messrs. Mackay and Sons to make new uniforms and supply cloth, etc., for £2-11-6 a suit was accepted on 19th May.
The year 1865 marks a milestone on the road to progress and efficiency, a year when the Corps became known and its worth appreciated beyond the confines of the County. It was proposed on 23rd June that a detachment, accompanied by Sergeant Sherwin, should attend the first meeting of the National Artillery Competition at Shoeburyness, and that each man chosen to go should be given £2 towards expenses. Thus began a pilgrimage which became an annual event. As more money became available in the regimental funds, larger donations for this purpose took place over the years when the number of teams increased; for example, £40 was voted in 1871. Shoeburyness, a place of nostalgic memories to many gunners, used to house a garrison, the School of Gunnery and the Experimental Establishment. Now shorn of much of its Service prestige and social life, it lingers on a shadow of its former self. It was the Alma Mater of Coast Artillery until that branch of the Regiment was abolished on 17th February 1956 by order of the Army Council. This momentous decision, which caused repercussions throughout the Commonwealth and Empire, was historic in as much as it signified a complete break under the organisation and traditions of the past, under which the defence of harbours, ports and naval bases by Coast Artillery had been an integral part of our Imperial strategy since the days when that great Tudor monarch, Henry VIII, granted his charter and set up a permanent body of artillerymen with that object in view.
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His system lasted over 400 years. Modern technical and scientific advancement, however, showed the writing on the wall when it became evident that Coast Artillery could no longer carry out its age-old functions. Thus like many another institution before it, it had to be sacrificed on the altar of progress. Tempora mutantur, nos et mutamor in illis. This decision was soon implemented. Territorial Regiments changed their roles and the regular element in the defences was posted elsewhere. Guns and equipment were disposed of or withdrawn to be put to other uses. The days of the “Gambadier” were over. Shoeburyness had a long history. As early as 27th July 1846, the Marquis of Anglesey – Master-General of the Ordnance – being desirous of ascertaining what quantity of land would be required at Shoeburyness for a Royal Artillery practice and experimental range, since that in the Royal Arsenal an on Woolwich Common had become too restricted owing to building and ballistic developments, asked Major Sandham, C.R.E.
Woolwich, and Lieut.-Colonel Chalmer to report on the matter. Their report was dated 3rd August 1846. A further request in similar terms by the M.G.O. on 18th December 1846 produced another report by the same two officers, dated 6th January 1847. Purchase was effected and units went down in summer to carry out practice. In 1856, the Secretary of State for War announced:--
“I am quite prepared to take the necessary steps to establish Shoeburyness as a place for experimental practice under the control of a Scientific Committee as soon as the new range in the marshes is complete. I understand that the range gives 1,500 yards to the butts and 1,500 yards beyond them, quite sufficient for all purposes of artillery instruction and practice. Under these circumstances there is no reason why Shoeburyness should not be placed entirely under the control of the Director-General of Artillery and Select Committee. There will be many things there for officers, N.C.O.s and men to see and profit by, and arrangements can be made for this end without interfering with experiments.” The experimental and instructional work were divided in 1859, when on 1st April that year the School of Gunnery was established with Colonel J.W Mitchell, R.A. as Commandant and Superintendent with a staff of three Instructors of Gunnery, an assistant Superintendent of Experiments, an Instructor of Musketry, a Brigade-Major, an Adjutant and 14 N.C.O.s and men. Afterwards the Experimental Establishment and the School became divorced. In 1919, the School of Gunnery, Shoeburyness was renamed the Coast Artillery School. In 1940, owing to the danger of invasion, the continual obstruction of the sea range and the constant bombing of the Thames estuary, the school had obviously to move if it were to continue to carry out its functions. After careful reconnaissance Llandudno on the North Welsh coast was selected for its new site, and there the school, perched on the side of the Great Orme like an eagle’s eyrie, looks out across the waters of the Irish Sea. In my opinion of one man, at any rate, the volunteer artillerymen of 1865 acquitted themselves well compared to the regular gunners of that period. P. Barry in his book “Shoeburyness and the Guns”, published in 1865, states:--
“And those who have watched the progress of the Volunteer Artillery bear much the same testimony to the manner in which the science and art of gun-laying are mastered by the right sort of men. Indeed, as matters stand, it is not improbable that were the country to become involved in a great war……….the Royal Artillery would be less efficient in the field or garrison than the Volunteer Artillery…… No Volunteer Artilleryman of spirit fails to make himself more or less acquainted with his whole duty, and it is the case that when a gun has been laid on an object, each Volunteer’s eye in turn tests the accuracy of the aim.” In this context it is only fair to add that Mr. Barry, who was, I believe, a journalist, took a most dyspeptic view of the British Soldier in general and of the Royal Artilleryman in particular. In fact, his book is in the nature of a diatribe against the inefficiency of army training and instruction. It is almost a satire on Shoeburyness and its way of life, though it is useful as a guide to the gunnery experiments of the mid 19th Century. Before leaving the subject of Shoeburyness it might be of advantage at this point to take a glimpse into the mirror of the future and give details of some further discussions which took place in subsequent years on this all important event. On 13th March 1868, it was proposed that a soiree should be held to raise funds in order to assist the payment of expenses of members who would be proceeding to Shoeburyness, and a short time afterwards it was agreed that the funds of the Corps should contribute £15 towards the cost of one detachment of gunners and that Captain Stevenson should at once take steps to select the most suitable members. On 15th June 1869, it was resolved that the sum of £10 should be given from the funds of the Corps towards the expenses of a detachment competing in the national event, the balance being raised by subscription; also that should a second detachment offer to go, the Corps would be prepared to give another £10 towards expenses provided the members of the second detachment defrayed the balance out of their own pockets. It was further agreed that the C.O. should select the members forming the first detachment and that the personnel forming the second detachment should be subject to the Commanding Officer’s approval. A somewhat lengthy discussion took place on Shoeburyness competition on 2nd July 1870. Captain Stevenson had offered to send one detachment at his own expense, an action which merited unanimous commendation, but it appeared from the Rules of the Council that only two detachments could attend from the County of Durham. It was finally agreed that in the event of only one detachment being allowed to compete, and if ten members came forward and agreed to pay their own expenses, that detachment would have preference over all others, but if insufficient numbers volunteered then Captain Stevenson’s proposed detachment should take preference and become the official party. In the event of two detachments being allowed, it was further agreed that £10 should be given to each one provided the remainder of the members’ expenses were met by subscription. Finally if three detachments were authorized, it was resolved that each could be given a grant of £10 from the Corps funds provided the members composing them paid the rest of the costs themselves. Every man going to Shoeburyness had to be approved by the Commanding Officer. Arising out of this small discussion, a small sub-committee was appointed to make arrangements for three detachments to attend the annual meeting on 15th August and the following days. On 27th June 1871, it was agreed that £40 be voted from the funds of the Corps for the purpose of sending two detachments to the Shoeburyness meeting, and on 18th July 1873, it was arranged that twenty blue serge patrol jackets should be ordered from Mr. Hobson for the Shoeburyness detachments. From the above it would appear that each detachment consisted of ten men, i.e., one complete gun crew. Presumably the 3rd Durham Volunteer Artillery continued to send competitors to the National Artillery Competition so long as they remained a coast defence unit. The writer was present at Shoeburyness in 1907 when the Competition was in progress. Maybe the Durhams were there then. Another great review took place in August 1866. This time the scene of martial pageantry was York before the Prince of Wales and Duke of Cambridge. On this occasion the latter was heard to remark ”These Tyneside fellows march well.”
“I am quite prepared to take the necessary steps to establish Shoeburyness as a place for experimental practice under the control of a Scientific Committee as soon as the new range in the marshes is complete. I understand that the range gives 1,500 yards to the butts and 1,500 yards beyond them, quite sufficient for all purposes of artillery instruction and practice. Under these circumstances there is no reason why Shoeburyness should not be placed entirely under the control of the Director-General of Artillery and Select Committee. There will be many things there for officers, N.C.O.s and men to see and profit by, and arrangements can be made for this end without interfering with experiments.” The experimental and instructional work were divided in 1859, when on 1st April that year the School of Gunnery was established with Colonel J.W Mitchell, R.A. as Commandant and Superintendent with a staff of three Instructors of Gunnery, an assistant Superintendent of Experiments, an Instructor of Musketry, a Brigade-Major, an Adjutant and 14 N.C.O.s and men. Afterwards the Experimental Establishment and the School became divorced. In 1919, the School of Gunnery, Shoeburyness was renamed the Coast Artillery School. In 1940, owing to the danger of invasion, the continual obstruction of the sea range and the constant bombing of the Thames estuary, the school had obviously to move if it were to continue to carry out its functions. After careful reconnaissance Llandudno on the North Welsh coast was selected for its new site, and there the school, perched on the side of the Great Orme like an eagle’s eyrie, looks out across the waters of the Irish Sea. In my opinion of one man, at any rate, the volunteer artillerymen of 1865 acquitted themselves well compared to the regular gunners of that period. P. Barry in his book “Shoeburyness and the Guns”, published in 1865, states:--
“And those who have watched the progress of the Volunteer Artillery bear much the same testimony to the manner in which the science and art of gun-laying are mastered by the right sort of men. Indeed, as matters stand, it is not improbable that were the country to become involved in a great war……….the Royal Artillery would be less efficient in the field or garrison than the Volunteer Artillery…… No Volunteer Artilleryman of spirit fails to make himself more or less acquainted with his whole duty, and it is the case that when a gun has been laid on an object, each Volunteer’s eye in turn tests the accuracy of the aim.” In this context it is only fair to add that Mr. Barry, who was, I believe, a journalist, took a most dyspeptic view of the British Soldier in general and of the Royal Artilleryman in particular. In fact, his book is in the nature of a diatribe against the inefficiency of army training and instruction. It is almost a satire on Shoeburyness and its way of life, though it is useful as a guide to the gunnery experiments of the mid 19th Century. Before leaving the subject of Shoeburyness it might be of advantage at this point to take a glimpse into the mirror of the future and give details of some further discussions which took place in subsequent years on this all important event. On 13th March 1868, it was proposed that a soiree should be held to raise funds in order to assist the payment of expenses of members who would be proceeding to Shoeburyness, and a short time afterwards it was agreed that the funds of the Corps should contribute £15 towards the cost of one detachment of gunners and that Captain Stevenson should at once take steps to select the most suitable members. On 15th June 1869, it was resolved that the sum of £10 should be given from the funds of the Corps towards the expenses of a detachment competing in the national event, the balance being raised by subscription; also that should a second detachment offer to go, the Corps would be prepared to give another £10 towards expenses provided the members of the second detachment defrayed the balance out of their own pockets. It was further agreed that the C.O. should select the members forming the first detachment and that the personnel forming the second detachment should be subject to the Commanding Officer’s approval. A somewhat lengthy discussion took place on Shoeburyness competition on 2nd July 1870. Captain Stevenson had offered to send one detachment at his own expense, an action which merited unanimous commendation, but it appeared from the Rules of the Council that only two detachments could attend from the County of Durham. It was finally agreed that in the event of only one detachment being allowed to compete, and if ten members came forward and agreed to pay their own expenses, that detachment would have preference over all others, but if insufficient numbers volunteered then Captain Stevenson’s proposed detachment should take preference and become the official party. In the event of two detachments being allowed, it was further agreed that £10 should be given to each one provided the remainder of the members’ expenses were met by subscription. Finally if three detachments were authorized, it was resolved that each could be given a grant of £10 from the Corps funds provided the members composing them paid the rest of the costs themselves. Every man going to Shoeburyness had to be approved by the Commanding Officer. Arising out of this small discussion, a small sub-committee was appointed to make arrangements for three detachments to attend the annual meeting on 15th August and the following days. On 27th June 1871, it was agreed that £40 be voted from the funds of the Corps for the purpose of sending two detachments to the Shoeburyness meeting, and on 18th July 1873, it was arranged that twenty blue serge patrol jackets should be ordered from Mr. Hobson for the Shoeburyness detachments. From the above it would appear that each detachment consisted of ten men, i.e., one complete gun crew. Presumably the 3rd Durham Volunteer Artillery continued to send competitors to the National Artillery Competition so long as they remained a coast defence unit. The writer was present at Shoeburyness in 1907 when the Competition was in progress. Maybe the Durhams were there then. Another great review took place in August 1866. This time the scene of martial pageantry was York before the Prince of Wales and Duke of Cambridge. On this occasion the latter was heard to remark ”These Tyneside fellows march well.”
The high-light of each year was undoubtedly the annual meeting of the Corps which normally took place either in January of February. These were at one time held in the Seamen’s Hall, Fowler Street. Altogether 25 such meetings are recorded in the Minute Book. Assuming that the word “general” used on two occasions is synonymous with “annual.” The first annual meeting was held on 24th January 1861, that held on 22nd February 1860 soon after the birth of the Corps being termed a “general” meeting. The last recorded in the minute book was held on 18th February 1885. Others of course took place subsequently, but the official scribe is silent on this point, his calligraphy disappearing from the Minute book abruptly in August 1886. Thereafter the pages remain blank and uninformative, his pen for ever stilled. Quite a number of these gatherings were reported in the local press and they appear to have been something of a social function when speeches were made, the year’s business considered, refreshments consumed and prizes for various competitions awarded. It would be tedious to describe all these assemblages in detail as a similar pattern was evidenced in all, nor would such a recital contribute to the history of the Corps. It is proposed, therefore, to recount, as a sample, the meeting held on Wednesday, 18th January 1870 in the drill shed, Chapter Row, which afterwards adjourned to the Mechanic’s Institute. The chair was taken by Major J.C. Stevenson, MP., the other officers being present being Captain Wilson, Captain Dawson, Captain Salmon, Surgeon Frain, Lieutenant Stevenson, Lieutenant W.J. Dawson and Lieutenant Pyke. The Reverend T.H. Chester, honorary chaplain, was also in attendance. Major Stevenson, after remarking that they proposed only to proceed with formal business in the drill shed as it was intended to adjourn later on in the evening to the hall of the Mechanic’s Institute, said that they would have to appoint that evening a committee to administer the finances of the Corps during the ensuing year. Prior to that duty being discharged , he wished to refer with very great regret to the loss the Corps had sustained by the death of their late secretary, Mr. Maxwell, who had been a very zealous promoter of the Volunteer movement. He had given his time and labour ungrudgingly, firstly , to the advancement of the Rifle Corps and afterwards to that of the amalgamated Corps—the Rifles and the Artillery. Since the decease Sergeant Mabane had acted as secretary and he (Major Stevenson) would now call on him to read the final financial statement. The financial statement showed that the receipts during the year under review had amounted to £301, including the capitation grant of £291. Expenses totalled £280-6-6 leaving a balance of £20-13-6 in the funds. Sergeant Mabane mentioned that the Corps in 1869 had earned the capitation grant of £317. On the motion of Captain Wilson the financial statement was adopted, the Chairman remarking that it was very gratifying to find the Corps increasing in numbers year by year.
Members then proceeded to elect a finance committee for the coming year. The following were elected: Lieutenants Stevenson and Dawson, Sergeants Cottew and Campbell, and Gunners Edgar, Joss, Watkins, Guest and T. Turnbull. The proceedings in the drill shed then terminated and the Volunteers, headed by their band, marched by way of the Market Place and King Street to the hall of the Mechanics’ Institute where they were entertained at supper and the prizes presented. On this occasion the large hall and its approaches were tastefully decorated. Over the staircase leading to the hall waved several flags, while here and there carbines with fixed bayonets were on view. The interior of the hall presented an attractive appearance, several flags and banners being suspended from the walls. At the head and North end of the room, as well as on the South side of it, were stars formed of carbine bayonets, and above the gallery was placed a design bearing on it the Borough Arms and the words “Success to the South Shields Artillery Corps.” At the side of the hall, opposite the door was a large crown illuminated with gas jets. On the platform stood a table bearing the several prizes won by members at the recent competitions, and on each side of it were displayed the banners of the old South Shields Volunteers formed about 1796, which had been presented to the corporation. There were upwards of 110 Volunteers present at the supper. Major Stevenson occupied the Chair, being supported on his right by the Reverand T.H. Chester, Captain Wilson, Major Alexander Stevenson (3rd Northumberland Artillery Volunteers), and on his left by Alderman Potts, Captain Russell (Tyne Dock Volunteers) and Surgeon Frain. The vice-chairs were occupied by Captain Salmond, Lieutenant Stevenson, Lieutenant Dawson and Lieutenant Pyke. After supper the band, stationed in the gallery, rendered at intervals a selection of music. The Chairman gave the Queen and the Prince and Princess Wales, which toasts were received with acclamation. He next gave the Bishop of the Diocese and the clergy of all denominations coupled with the name of the Reverend T.H. Chester, honorary chaplain to the Corps. The Reverend T.H. Chester, in returning thanks, spoke about the bishop and the clergy and said he felt very gratified to hold the office of honorary chaplain to the Corps. Prior to resuming his seat, he said he would have much pleasure in presenting a prize to be shot for at the next competition. The chairman next gave the army, Navy and the Volunteers coupling with the toasts and health’s of Major Alexander Stevenson of the 3rd Northumberland Artillery Volunteers and Captain Russell of the Tyne Dock Rifle Volunteers. The latter responded and thanked the 3rd Durham Artillery for allowing the Tyne Dock Volunteers the use of their rifle range.
Members then proceeded to elect a finance committee for the coming year. The following were elected: Lieutenants Stevenson and Dawson, Sergeants Cottew and Campbell, and Gunners Edgar, Joss, Watkins, Guest and T. Turnbull. The proceedings in the drill shed then terminated and the Volunteers, headed by their band, marched by way of the Market Place and King Street to the hall of the Mechanics’ Institute where they were entertained at supper and the prizes presented. On this occasion the large hall and its approaches were tastefully decorated. Over the staircase leading to the hall waved several flags, while here and there carbines with fixed bayonets were on view. The interior of the hall presented an attractive appearance, several flags and banners being suspended from the walls. At the head and North end of the room, as well as on the South side of it, were stars formed of carbine bayonets, and above the gallery was placed a design bearing on it the Borough Arms and the words “Success to the South Shields Artillery Corps.” At the side of the hall, opposite the door was a large crown illuminated with gas jets. On the platform stood a table bearing the several prizes won by members at the recent competitions, and on each side of it were displayed the banners of the old South Shields Volunteers formed about 1796, which had been presented to the corporation. There were upwards of 110 Volunteers present at the supper. Major Stevenson occupied the Chair, being supported on his right by the Reverand T.H. Chester, Captain Wilson, Major Alexander Stevenson (3rd Northumberland Artillery Volunteers), and on his left by Alderman Potts, Captain Russell (Tyne Dock Volunteers) and Surgeon Frain. The vice-chairs were occupied by Captain Salmond, Lieutenant Stevenson, Lieutenant Dawson and Lieutenant Pyke. After supper the band, stationed in the gallery, rendered at intervals a selection of music. The Chairman gave the Queen and the Prince and Princess Wales, which toasts were received with acclamation. He next gave the Bishop of the Diocese and the clergy of all denominations coupled with the name of the Reverend T.H. Chester, honorary chaplain to the Corps. The Reverend T.H. Chester, in returning thanks, spoke about the bishop and the clergy and said he felt very gratified to hold the office of honorary chaplain to the Corps. Prior to resuming his seat, he said he would have much pleasure in presenting a prize to be shot for at the next competition. The chairman next gave the army, Navy and the Volunteers coupling with the toasts and health’s of Major Alexander Stevenson of the 3rd Northumberland Artillery Volunteers and Captain Russell of the Tyne Dock Rifle Volunteers. The latter responded and thanked the 3rd Durham Artillery for allowing the Tyne Dock Volunteers the use of their rifle range.
The Chairman then announced that he would next present the prizes presented by the officers and tradesmen of the town to members for the carbine competition. Twenty-four prizes in all were presented. After this presentation, the Chairman said there was one toast which he wished to propose, namely the health of their venerable friend, Alderman Potts, who was most appropriately present on this occasion. This was a meeting of Volunteers of the present generation and he was the only remaining representative of the past generation. Alderman Potts as Ensign of the original Volunteer Corps in South Shields, had often carried the colours which they observed displayed from the platform. In South Shields the name Alderman Potts was never mentioned without the deepest respect; and in giving his health he sincerely hoped that he might be long spared to be an honour and ornament to his native town. Alderman Potts, on rising to respond, was received with cheers. He said that Major Stevenson had spoken correctly when he said that he, Alderman Potts, was a native of South Shields, and he might add that he was now in his 90th year. In the latter part of 1790 two volunteer corps were raised in South Shields, one named the South Shields Volunteers under the command of Major Sir Cuthbert Heron, and the other the Loyal Independent Armed Association under the command of Major James Bulmer. If he remembered rightly, it was in 1801 or 1802 that he became a volunteer, continuing as such till 1812 or 1813 when they, with other volunteer corps in the kingdom, were disbanded. He might state that on one occasion a platform resting upon keels crossed the Tyne from the lower part of North Shields to near Herd Sands at South Shields. Sir Cuthbert Heron rode across that platform, and afterwards a regiment of militia stationed at the barracks in North Shields where a review was held, did likewise. Alderman Potts said that when he joined the volunteers, it was as a private. Afterwards he was successfully promoted to corporal, sergeant, ensign and lieutenant. He had often had the hour of carrying the colours of the old South Shields Volunteers. In conclusion, he thanked them for the cordial manner in which his health had been received. The Reverend T.H. Chester then proposed the health of the Chairman whom he spoke in commendatory terms. This toast was received with three cheers, an additional cheer being given for Mrs. Stevenson. Major Stevenson rising to reply returned thanks and in the course of his remarks said he was happy to state that the Corps was progressing satisfactorily, and that last year they had attained a larger number of efficient members than ever before. They had also received a very considerable accession of new recruits, who had already put in a large number of drills. The Corps, however, had not attained the strength which it should have. At present their numbers were 235, whereas they should be 320, and he hoped this would be accomplished before long. He next noticed the desire on the part of many volunteer corps to obtain from the government a greater amount of support, and remarked that Authority had resolved that if additional money was to be received, volunteers must show something for it in the way of increased efficiency. Arrangements, he was glad to say, had been made for both commissioned and non-commissioned officers to obtain greater facilities for learning their drill and under this direction opportunity would be given for officers to undergo a course of training at Shoeburyness. It had also been resolved that the sergeants, instead of earning their Corps 30s. each as at present, would in future be enabled to earn double that amount, namely £3, but only on the condition of their passing an examination as to their efficiency in drill. Those officers who passed such an examination would be entitled to wear a distinctive badge on their coat sleeve. The government proposed to provide in the future targets for carbine practice. There was, however, one thing with which they could not agree and which they must not allow to take effect, namely the proposal to increase the number of each company from eighty to one hundred. Major Stevenson in reference to the demand which was being made for increased government aid, said it arose principally from those corps who had gone in for field guns, horses, etc. Now, he thought their duty was rather to act as garrison artillerymen; and to attempt to work field guns and manage horses was entirely beyond the province and scope of volunteer artillerymen, and was a matter which they had better leave alone. Speaking for himself, he had never gone in for these things, and he had no ambition to do so.
Major Stevenson then announced that Captain Williamson and Lieutenant Tweddall had resigned their appointments, resignations to which he had accepted. He proposed to recommend to the Lord Lieutenant the name of Lieutenant Stevenson to fill the vacancy caused by the retirement of Captain Williamson. Owing to the resignations of Lieutenants Tweddall and Richardson there were two other vacancies which he thought should be filled by Sergeants Mabane and Cottew, but before doing so, he would like the opinion of members present.
Major Stevenson then announced that Captain Williamson and Lieutenant Tweddall had resigned their appointments, resignations to which he had accepted. He proposed to recommend to the Lord Lieutenant the name of Lieutenant Stevenson to fill the vacancy caused by the retirement of Captain Williamson. Owing to the resignations of Lieutenants Tweddall and Richardson there were two other vacancies which he thought should be filled by Sergeants Mabane and Cottew, but before doing so, he would like the opinion of members present.
A ballot was therefore held and the two sergeants were elected. Major Stevenson then announced that if Sergeants Mabane and Cottew were agreeable, he would submit their names to the Lord Lieutenant to fill the vacant Lieutenancies in the Corps. Sergeants Mabane and Cottew intimated their willingness to accept their nominations and expressed their thanks.
Upon the motion of Lieutenant Pyke, seconded by Sergeant Mabane, a vote of thanks was awarded to those tradesmen who had given prizes for the competitions. A vote of thanks having been passed on Major Stevenson for presiding, the proceedings were brought to a close by the band playing the National Anthem. Two points arise from the above recorded proceedings. One, a sword which had been presented to Sir Cuthbert Heron by the South Shields Loyal Volunteers about 1796-1798, was subsequently acquired, and, secondly, the observation made by Major Stevenson about volunteer artillerymen having nothing to do with field equipments. In 1870, he saw through a glass darkly. He little thought then that his beloved garrison artillery unit would one day blossom out into a Field Regiment R.A. (T.A.) and that coast defence would disappear, swallowed up in the march of progress like morning mist in the rising sun.
The following table gives the strength of the Corps between the years of 1869 and 1881. The figures are extracted from the Minute Book. Some of the annual meetings do not give the numbers:--
YEAR STRENGTH
1869 222
1870 235
1871 237
1872 249
1873 229
1874 209
1875 230
1876 224
1877 232
1878 242
1879 246
1880 174
1881 217
Upon the motion of Lieutenant Pyke, seconded by Sergeant Mabane, a vote of thanks was awarded to those tradesmen who had given prizes for the competitions. A vote of thanks having been passed on Major Stevenson for presiding, the proceedings were brought to a close by the band playing the National Anthem. Two points arise from the above recorded proceedings. One, a sword which had been presented to Sir Cuthbert Heron by the South Shields Loyal Volunteers about 1796-1798, was subsequently acquired, and, secondly, the observation made by Major Stevenson about volunteer artillerymen having nothing to do with field equipments. In 1870, he saw through a glass darkly. He little thought then that his beloved garrison artillery unit would one day blossom out into a Field Regiment R.A. (T.A.) and that coast defence would disappear, swallowed up in the march of progress like morning mist in the rising sun.
The following table gives the strength of the Corps between the years of 1869 and 1881. The figures are extracted from the Minute Book. Some of the annual meetings do not give the numbers:--
YEAR STRENGTH
1869 222
1870 235
1871 237
1872 249
1873 229
1874 209
1875 230
1876 224
1877 232
1878 242
1879 246
1880 174
1881 217
These figures show that between 1869 and 1881 the Corps maintained and average strength of 227 members. The year 1873, however stands out as a landmark, being notable as the one in which the 3rd Durham Artillery Volunteers returned home triumphant from Shoeburyness bearing the Scotland Cup won at the National Artillery Competition. There can be little doubt that year by year, though its numbers remained fairly constant, the Corps was becoming more efficient and taking its place as an active fighting unit. It must be remembered, however, that the volunteer artillery corps of the latter half of the 19th century were never specifically organised as either part of the field or coast artillery and thus had no integral part in the defence plan as a whole. Like the 3rd Durham Volunteer Artillery, they were mostly classified as “position artillery”, and as such were provided with such obsolete armament as the national cupboard could affoard. With these relics of a bygone age, firmly fixed to platforms let into the ground, they carried out their drill and training. What actual role they were expected to play in case of enemy invasion was never actually defined. Presumably they would trust in God, keep their powder dry and act as coast artillery in the event of general mobilisation. In 1889, the various volunteer artillery corps were allotted to the garrison divisions and in 1899 all became Royal Garrison Artillery Volunteers when the Royal Regiment was split into two separate branches. Even then their roles were still vague and undefined. It was not until the Territorial Force was created in 1908 that the situation was clarified and the artillery of that Force allocated in a proper manner. The question of drill halls and sheds now merits attention. The earliest drill shed was Dr. Wallis’s stable in Chapter Row, but after a time the Seaman’s Hall in Fowler Street and an old sail loft at the Mill Dam were pressed into service. Later on Captain Stevenson erected a permanent drill hall in Barrington Street on a site subsequently occupied by the Gazette offices. A new drill shed was built in Thornton Street, Corstorphine Town, in 1873. This shed was a substantial brick building measuring 70 feet by 42 feet capped by a high pitched open roof. In addition to the actual shed in which the men could carry out their drill and gun training, the structure incorporated a spacious armoury, an orderly room, offices and a reading room for the convenience of members. The whole building was lit by gas and heated by a stove at each end. The shed was officially opened by Major Stevenson on 15th January 1874, after the termination of the annual meeting. On this occasion a substantial supper was provided, enjoyed no doubt by all present. Eventually a new drill hall was opened in Bolingbroke Street in April 1884. This spacious drill hall – then one of the largest in the country—cost about £3,000 and had a large parade ground attached. Later on in the same year, on Guy Fawkes’ night to be exact, a ball was given in this new hall by Mrs.T.G Mabane, the Mayoress of South Shields. It was undoubtedly a most enjoyable evening though a dance programme appears to be the sole surviving relic of this festive occasion. The music played at that gathering reminds one forcibly of that rendered in Those were the Days by Harry Davidson and his band on Saturday evenings in the B.B.C. Home Service.
The question of uniform loomed largely in the discussions at Committee meetings in 1870 and 1871. New samples were called for, inspections made, tenders placed and prices fixed. Messrs. Mackay and son and Smith and Co. were the two contractors. A sub-committee was appointed to view the samples and they reported that both firms had tendered samples of cloth and had been instructed to make sample tunics and trousers. Messrs. Mackay and Son’s price was £2-10-6 and Smith and Co’s a shilling cheaper. Eventually it was resolved that Mackay and Son be appointed to supply uniforms according to their sample from 1st January – 30th November, 1871at “3-10-6 each, and that power be taken to terminate the contract if the uniforms supplied were not up to specification. The Chairman said he was determined to procure white belts for the Corps and samples of enamelled and buff belts were sent in by Mr. Hobson and Messrs. Lyons and Sons. It was agreed to accept the former’s offer to supply enamelled belts without pouches at 14s. 4d. each and 160 were ordered at once. In 1872, the contract of Messrs. Mackay and Son for uniforms was renewed subject to an advance of 3s. 6d a suit. In 1873, silver lace for sergeants’ uniforms were provided by the Corps. The odd items in regard to training and practice are worth recording:---
(1) 28th September 1871. Agreed that repository stores should be acquired, so that what in gunner parlance is known as “Scotch- up” could be taught.
(2) 30th March 1872. Messrs. Short and Spooner to be instructed to relay the platforms in the drill shed with 3-inch deals and that 5 walls be built of brick for them to rest on.
(3) 11th May 1873. New targets 6 feet X 6 Feet suitable for fixing at 400 yards be obtained and that a platform be erected at 400 yards distance
The question of uniform loomed largely in the discussions at Committee meetings in 1870 and 1871. New samples were called for, inspections made, tenders placed and prices fixed. Messrs. Mackay and son and Smith and Co. were the two contractors. A sub-committee was appointed to view the samples and they reported that both firms had tendered samples of cloth and had been instructed to make sample tunics and trousers. Messrs. Mackay and Son’s price was £2-10-6 and Smith and Co’s a shilling cheaper. Eventually it was resolved that Mackay and Son be appointed to supply uniforms according to their sample from 1st January – 30th November, 1871at “3-10-6 each, and that power be taken to terminate the contract if the uniforms supplied were not up to specification. The Chairman said he was determined to procure white belts for the Corps and samples of enamelled and buff belts were sent in by Mr. Hobson and Messrs. Lyons and Sons. It was agreed to accept the former’s offer to supply enamelled belts without pouches at 14s. 4d. each and 160 were ordered at once. In 1872, the contract of Messrs. Mackay and Son for uniforms was renewed subject to an advance of 3s. 6d a suit. In 1873, silver lace for sergeants’ uniforms were provided by the Corps. The odd items in regard to training and practice are worth recording:---
(1) 28th September 1871. Agreed that repository stores should be acquired, so that what in gunner parlance is known as “Scotch- up” could be taught.
(2) 30th March 1872. Messrs. Short and Spooner to be instructed to relay the platforms in the drill shed with 3-inch deals and that 5 walls be built of brick for them to rest on.
(3) 11th May 1873. New targets 6 feet X 6 Feet suitable for fixing at 400 yards be obtained and that a platform be erected at 400 yards distance
Although it is obvious that the Corps had a band almost at the moment of its inception, no mention of it appears in the Minute Book till 1880. For the first twenty years of its existence its music may have been heard but its praises remained unsung. On 27 February 1880, a committee was set up to take into consideration the state of the band and devise means for its future guidance. Mr. Palmer was the bandmaster and he may have been derelict in his duties for on 7th May 1880 he promised to have a band available for all battalion drills and inspections. This appears to have been too much for him—no doubt the spirit was willing but the flesh was weak—for a month later on 7th June he tendered his resignation as bandmaster. This was promptly accepted. No time was wasted . Applications for the post of bandmaster were at once sent out. On 14th June 1880, it is recorded that applications for this post were received from Messrs. Clinton, Carling, Robinson and Maughan. The Band Committee’s report was adopted and forwarded to Major Stevenson for approval. It recommended that::--
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(1) The name of Mr. Thomas Robinson be considered for bandmaster at £30 p.a. and that music up to the cost of £2 be allowed for the band.
(2) The band should consist of about 25 efficient members of the Corps.
(3) A set of rules for the guidance of the band should be drawn up.
On 1st July, Major Stevenson wrote to Mr Thomas Robinson and appointed him Bandmaster at £30 p.a. paid quarterly. His duties were to hold two band practices a week and attend parades with an efficient band when ordered by the Commanding Officer. Two months later the question of clothing for the band was raised and a pattern was selected. A rapid glance at the achievements of the Corps must now be attempted. In 1864, the Corps took part in the first meeting of the Durham Artillery Association held at Hartlepool and were so successful that out of a total of £25 offered in prizes for big gun shooting they brought away £22-10-0, while they also secured £18 and a silver cup out of £25 offered for carbine shooting, the cup being won by Gunner George Scott who afterwards became an Alderman.
(2) The band should consist of about 25 efficient members of the Corps.
(3) A set of rules for the guidance of the band should be drawn up.
On 1st July, Major Stevenson wrote to Mr Thomas Robinson and appointed him Bandmaster at £30 p.a. paid quarterly. His duties were to hold two band practices a week and attend parades with an efficient band when ordered by the Commanding Officer. Two months later the question of clothing for the band was raised and a pattern was selected. A rapid glance at the achievements of the Corps must now be attempted. In 1864, the Corps took part in the first meeting of the Durham Artillery Association held at Hartlepool and were so successful that out of a total of £25 offered in prizes for big gun shooting they brought away £22-10-0, while they also secured £18 and a silver cup out of £25 offered for carbine shooting, the cup being won by Gunner George Scott who afterwards became an Alderman.
They were the only Corps North of Sheffield represented at the first Shoeburyness meeting in 1865. In the third year of the meeting on 22nd August 1867, No.1 battery won the Association badges and silver cup, thus gaining for themselves the distinction of being the champion shots of England and Scotland for that year. In 1869, the County Competition was held at South Shields, when all detachments entered by the Corps carried off prizes, in addition to which Gunner Guest won the Pemberton Challenge Cup for the second time, thus retaining it as his own property. In 1873, as mentioned before, the Corps attained the front rank of artillerists when one of their detachments returned from Shoeburyness with Scotland’s Challenge Cup, while Sergeant-Major Buglass’s detachment had ten silver cups to their credit. The following year saw the 3rd Durhams return with the Prince of Wales Prize and other trophies. On other occasions some of the principal prizes at the great annual gathering had been obtained by the Corps, including the Duke of Cambridge’s Prize, the Lords’ and Commons Cups, the Messrs. Elkington’s Cups on two occasions, besides money prizes. Down to 1887, they had won about 50 cups. No mean achievement for a body of men who received little encouragement from official sources. In a quiet and respectful manner, after the Church Parade on Sunday, 10th September 1904, when the officers and men of the 3 Durham R.G.A. (Volunteers) had returned to their armoury, Colonel W.J. Dawson, their beloved Commanding Officer, took farewell of the regiment which he had served so faithfully and loved so well for upwards of forty years. It was a sad moment for all concerned. Colonel Dawson had risen from the ranks to command his Corps. He was intimately associated with the origin of the volunteer movement brought about in 1859 by the somewhat arrogant behaviour of Napoleon III, who never could forget the accomplishments of his great forbear. Colonel Dawson originally joined the South Shields Rifle Corps but soon transferred to the artillery. He ranked as a gunner from April 1860 till June 1864 when he received his commission as 2nd Lieutenant. In 1867, he was promoted to Lieutenant, in 1875 a Captain and in 1887 succeeded Colonel J.C. Stevenson in command of the Corps, then being a Major. In March 1891 he retired retaining his rank and the right to wear his uniform as an honorary officer of his regiment. He was succeeded by Major Gowans under whose command the Corps was expanded from four to six batteries. Major Gowans was finally promoted to Colonel and retired in 1896.
Yielding to the pressure of his friends and to his innate love of soldiering, Major Dawson, then bordering on his sixtieth year, was persuaded to take up again the command of his old unit in the June of that year. He was raised to the rank of Colonel and the War Office on three occasions extended his tenure of command until the maximum age limit had been reached. Many old friends, who had survived the vicissitudes of the previous 45 years were present on this rather melancholy morning, including Colonel J.C. Stevenson, Isaac Tweddale, Surgeon Frain and others. Colonel Dawson entertained the officers and men of his late regiment to dinner at the Victoria Hall, South Shields, on 29th October 1904.
There was a very large attendance including many notable members. After the loyal toast had been drunk Colonel Gowans toasted the health of Colonel Dawson. He said those who had served with the Colonel longest loved him best, and he carried with him into his retirement the respect and admiration of everyone in the regiment.
Q.M.S. Dennis, speaking on behalf of the N.C.O.s and men, said that Colonel Dawson had always had the greatest popularity amongst the men, and he was, not only in name but in actual fact, both an officer and a gentleman.
Colonel Dawson then replied. Recalling the past he said that it was a wrench to be placed on the shelf, but he had been beaten by the clock. Afterwards,
R.S.M Spiers presented Colonel Dawson with a gold-mounted walking stick on behalf of the Sergeants’ Mess.
The Durham R.G.A (Volunteers) held their last camp in 1907 and their last dance on 16 January, 1908 in the Bolingbroke Drill hall.
There is little else to tell of these formative years. Mainly drill practice, competitions, camp and occasional social functions. That, after all, was the official life of the volunteer in Victorian England. There were no commotions, no wars, to disturb the even tenor of his way. Except for distant campaigns and frontier skirmishes, peace reigned supreme on the home front between the Crimean and the South Africa wars. It can be summed up in the words of John Kebble:--
“The trivial round, the common task, would furnish all we ought to ask.”
Yielding to the pressure of his friends and to his innate love of soldiering, Major Dawson, then bordering on his sixtieth year, was persuaded to take up again the command of his old unit in the June of that year. He was raised to the rank of Colonel and the War Office on three occasions extended his tenure of command until the maximum age limit had been reached. Many old friends, who had survived the vicissitudes of the previous 45 years were present on this rather melancholy morning, including Colonel J.C. Stevenson, Isaac Tweddale, Surgeon Frain and others. Colonel Dawson entertained the officers and men of his late regiment to dinner at the Victoria Hall, South Shields, on 29th October 1904.
There was a very large attendance including many notable members. After the loyal toast had been drunk Colonel Gowans toasted the health of Colonel Dawson. He said those who had served with the Colonel longest loved him best, and he carried with him into his retirement the respect and admiration of everyone in the regiment.
Q.M.S. Dennis, speaking on behalf of the N.C.O.s and men, said that Colonel Dawson had always had the greatest popularity amongst the men, and he was, not only in name but in actual fact, both an officer and a gentleman.
Colonel Dawson then replied. Recalling the past he said that it was a wrench to be placed on the shelf, but he had been beaten by the clock. Afterwards,
R.S.M Spiers presented Colonel Dawson with a gold-mounted walking stick on behalf of the Sergeants’ Mess.
The Durham R.G.A (Volunteers) held their last camp in 1907 and their last dance on 16 January, 1908 in the Bolingbroke Drill hall.
There is little else to tell of these formative years. Mainly drill practice, competitions, camp and occasional social functions. That, after all, was the official life of the volunteer in Victorian England. There were no commotions, no wars, to disturb the even tenor of his way. Except for distant campaigns and frontier skirmishes, peace reigned supreme on the home front between the Crimean and the South Africa wars. It can be summed up in the words of John Kebble:--
“The trivial round, the common task, would furnish all we ought to ask.”
64 pdr. R.M.L.
Before bringing this chapter to a close, however, it would be fitting to pay a tribute to the man who founded the Corps, led its faltering footsteps unerringly and secured its survival; and to whose drive, patience and wisdom it owed its life, success and its future.
“Let us now praise famous men.”
“Let us now praise famous men.”
James Cochran Stevenson, the eldest son of James Stevenson was born in Glasgow on 9th October 1825. He was educated at Glasgow High School and University, and in 1844 entered the Jarrow Chemical Works at South Shields (in which his father had become a partner), devoting himself chiefly to the chemical department. On the retirement of his father in 1854, he became joint managing director along with Alderman Williamson, the works rapidly developing the largest in the country. He was one of the original directors of the Tharsis Sulphur and Copper Company, one of the promoters and vice-chairman of the United Alkali Company which amalgamated the principal alkali works in the kingdom, and was connected with several important industrial undertakings. From an early age Mr. Stevenson took an active part in public life, especially in the movement which led to the establishment of the Tyne Commission, of which he was appointed one of the original life members. He was the leader of the progressive party on the Commission of which he was elected Chairman on 19th November, 1880, a position he held for twenty years. As chairman, he received the Prince of Wales when H.R.H visited the river to open the Albert Edward Dock on 21st August 1884. He was also an active mover in the creation of the Tyne Pilotage Commission of which he was Chairman for many years, and was one of the promoters and the only President of the South Shields Chamber of Commerce. He was the founder, and for twenty-seven years the Commanding Officer, of the 3rd Durham Artillery Volunteer Corps, retiring with the honorary rank of Colonel on 18th September, 1887. He was succeeded in his command by Major W.J. Dawson, a brother of one of the original honorary secretaries. He was appointed Magistrate for the Borough in 1860, entered the Town Council in November 1862, was elected Alderman on 10th October, 1865, and Mayor in November 1867. In the following October, on the retirement of Mr. Ingham, he was elected M.P. for the Borough, a seat he held uninterruptedly for twenty-seven years. In Parliament he served as Chairman of several committees besides being for many years one of the panel of Chairman of the House. On his retirement from Parliament he was on 19th June 1895, presented with the Honorary Freedom of the Borough. He was a prominent member of the Presbyterian Church of England, identified with many religious and social movements in the Borough, one of the trustees of Lady Hewley’s Charity and a Fellow of the Chemical Society. Mr. Stevenson married on 31st October, 1855, Elisa Ramsay, daughter of the Reverend James Anderson, D.D., of St George’s Church, Morpeth. He lived latterly at Eltham Court, Eltham, Kent and died on 11 January, 1905 in his 80th year.
1902-1908
6-inch B.L. Mark VII
9.2-inch B.L. Mark IV
6-inch B.L. Mark VII
9.2-inch B.L. Mark IV
The End of costal defence for the 3rd Durhams
Photo not of South Shieds
Territorial Force was created in 1908
When the Royal Artillery divided in 1899, the unit became the 3rd Durham Royal Garrison Artillery (Vols)
On the formation of the Territorial Force in 1908, the 3rd Durham RGA re-rolled as
Royal Field Artillery and designated as the 4th Durham Battery of the:-
4th Northumbrian (County of Durham) Howitzer Brigade RFA (T).
On the formation of the Territorial Force in 1908, the 3rd Durham RGA re-rolled as
Royal Field Artillery and designated as the 4th Durham Battery of the:-
4th Northumbrian (County of Durham) Howitzer Brigade RFA (T).